childhood dreams delivered

Wow.

"Open up your very own pretend play tattoo parlor. This easy-to-use tattoo maker kit includes an electronic tattoo pen and funky stencils. Using soft, safe pulsating action, the tattoo pen creates realistic, washable designs with dramatic effects. Requires two AA batteries (not included)."


The website reccomends this for 6-12 year olds. I 'm speechless at how along with instilling a sense of respect for permanent body adornification (insert sarcasm here), it also pushes home phonetics by calling itself the GR8 TaT2 Maker. How bizarre. Be sure to read the equally puzzling comments.

I honestly can't believe this one is for real or can I honestly imaging how bizarre my childhood would have been like had my parents allowed me to have one.

make a masterpeice

Here's a little something I found while surfing the blogs out there. While I think it would be, of course, a good idea to put my own creation up, I have ot admit, the half way mark of NaBloPoMo has caought me a little lazy..maybe tomorrow. But have fun. Participate in my contest with comments by leaving yours instead.

no monkeying around

What's lightweight, compact, portable, bendable, wrappable, grippable, and gorilla fun!

This is the coolest gadget ever. From Joby- the Gorillapod.

This inspires me to attach my camera to trees, to rest on uneven rock gardens, to mount to the curvaceous Henry Moore sculpture and to not be afraid of lugging around a tripod which I almost never do because the usual tripod is bulky and heavy and awkward. Too cool. And check out the funny video on the website.

Gorrillapod + Chair, originally uploaded by Phutta.

grr its friday and raining and I feel glum

grafitti tunnel in Deep Ellum, originally uploaded by smoooch.

a rose by any other name smells just as sweet?

IMGP3638, originally uploaded by smoooch.

A native of Texas, Arizona and other hot dry climates, the Rose of Jericho or Ressurection Plant, was an easy souvenir from my recent stay in Texas due to its unique and seemingly magical qualities.

The image at the top is how I bought the plant. It will apparently stay rolled up in this ball for years and years and years. It will literally stay that way until you put it in a bowl of shallow water where it will unfurl itself, turn green and sprout small white flowers. The picture below is from 1 day in a bowl of water.

Magically, if you remove the plant from water it will dry out and roll itself back into a ball to be stored again until you put it back in water. In a sense, it is the plant that never dies. Naturally, when I received my declaration card for customs, where it asks you if you are bringing back any plants or fruits and vegetables, I said no in fear that they would take this little gem away.

open, originally uploaded by smoooch.

Further reading can be found here

The red neon pegasus of the Magnolia Bldg

I found this incredible graffiti'd tunnel north of the Dallas city centre in an area called Deep Ellum. Does anybody know what this symbol is from? It looks really familiar.

update: Thanks Christine!! The Magnolia Bldg! I drove all over downtown Sunday night trying in vain to get a shot of the Red Neon Pegasus. I didn't know why it was affiliated with Dallas, until now.

Le Baiser (The Kiss)

Le Baiser (The Kiss), originally uploaded by smoooch.

One of many that Brancusi created. Another version sits in Montparnasse Cemetery in Paris, marking the grave of Tania Rachevski, a 16 year old girl who took her own life.

it'll do ya good

Southern Lady #1: Well back then, yuh know, we'd fry our bacon first and then, yuh know fry our eggs and grits right after in the same juices cuz ya'll know it tasted better. But know we'all know better to not do that now. All that grease, it's bad for you.

Southern Lady #2: Oh the hell with that! Every psychic in the world will tell you you're going to die one day. I say have a little something something every now and then.

oh the places I've been..

And that concludes my visit to Dallas Texas. It's been just a smash up good time.
Here's a few link of the things I've seen and the places I went.

The Dallas Museum of Art- great sheaves of wheat exhibit.
The Nasher Sculpture Gallery- where I found a version of Brancusi's Kiss (currently on the masthead)
Sean Fitzgerald Photography-hosted the wedding reception I was invited to.
Pioneer Plaza
Dealey Plaza- link complete with live webcam. I could go out there right now and wave, but would you be watching?
Northpark Mall- had a little party in one of the stores which will of course remain nameless.

umm? maybe not

While, I have found the characters of Sasha Baron Cohen funny. You know like Ali G and the gay fashion reporter from Austria and sometimes even Borat. I'm not sure I'll go see the movie and I'm not sure if you want to either. If you're humming an hawing..check out these two reasons why you should spend you money elseware.

Reason # 1

Reason #2

Dealey Plaza

me: Well you know, it's arguably one of the most pivotal moments in US political history.

him: Well YEAH. It's, you know, in my opinion, its bigger than Jesus Christ getting killed.

me (changing the subject): Is that the grassy knoll?

him: No, that's it over there. See that cross on the road? That's right where it happened. I put that there. See that picket fence over by the grassy knoll? That's where the shooter was. There's a storm drain behind there and whoever shot him slipped down there and clear done got away.

me: Oh, is that so? I'll have to go take a look.

him: Are you going to go now, because if you are, I'll go with you.

nickname

of wisdom, originally uploaded by smoooch.

Pearl was the name Janis Joplin wanted to be known by. Just before she died, she was apparently sick of being Janis and would often tell people, "Call me Pearl from now on." Maybe that's why she named her last album Pearl. So, naturally, while I was driving around Dallas and I saw this little corner bar with a band set up, I pulled over and went in. I should have had a shot of Southern Comfort in tribute.

know it- The Big D

- settled in 1841
- 9th largest city in the US
- population is 1,083,508 and growing
- entire Dallas/Fort Worth has combined population of 5,037,345
- 7-Eleven stores started in Dallas 1922 (WHO KNEW!!). Now in 18 countries worldwide.
- the first shopping center with stores surrounding a central parking area opened in in Dallas in 1931.
- first drive-up bank window.
- first frozen margarita was invented by a Dallas restauranteur, Mariano Martinez, in 1971.
- Barney, the lovable purple dinosaur, comes from Dallas area.
- has the largest wholesale merchandise mart in the world.
- is the top visitor destination in Texas
- has more restaurants per capita than New York city (Holy shit, that's alot of restaurants, I wonder what the stats are for serving staff? Has more waiters per capita than any US city?)
- has more shopping centers per capita than any city in the United States. (more shoppers than anywhere in the US as well? SDe below)
- has the largest fashion and marketing center in the South and one of the top convention destinations in the US. (I believe this wholeheartedly. I have seen 3 already)
- has the third busiest airport in the WORLD.
- has the world's largest bronze monument located at Pioneer Plaza
- Home of the Ewing ranch,Southfork. Dallas was the one show that brought my mother, sister and I together at the same time. That and Mash.
- was witness to, what might be argued as the single most pivotal moment in US political history, the assasination of JFK.
-and last but not least: chicken gravy is served at breakfast with bisquits.

delurking bribes

I grabbed an idea off another blog.. I can't remember which one.. but it was a good idea and I've decided to put it to work.

Since I am participating in NaBloPoMo, which means I promise to blog at least once a day for everyday in Novemeber, I have decided:

For every comment I receive from YOU, I will enter your name into a draw for either:

$25 US or Canadian Gift Certificate for Lush Cosmetics, redeemable only in stores.
or
$15 in an ITune or Amazon.com Gift Certificate
or
A specially made with love embroidery and a photo card from my collection of photos, enscribed with some kind words of thoughtfulness by yours truly.

You post a comment, you get entered in the draw. Every comment gets an entry. You win, you pick your prize. Postage and handling included, if required. Friends, family and strangers all equally qualify. All comments must be from November 06 and previously posted comments in November count.

OK people, get those comments rolling in- YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!

Good luck.

the big D

Pioneer Plaza 7, originally uploaded by smoooch.

You know what they say.. everything is bigger in Texas. And I've found it to be true. Today I arrived in Dallas, Texas and saw the biggest flag of the United States I have ever seen. In fact, I almost thougth it was the biggest flag ever until I noticed the bigger one of the state of Texas flapping behind it. If I wasn't going 120 down an unfamiliar 8 lane freeway, I would have stopped to photograph it.

Instead, I went to Pioneer Plaza which boast the world's largest monument in bronze. 40 larger than life longhorn steers are herded by 3 larger than life cowboys on horseback.

"From the 1840's until right after the Civil War, cattle, mostly longhorn from south Texas ranches, were driven along the Shawnee Trail to northern markets in St. Joseph and St. Louis, Missouri. The Shawnee was the first trail of its kind in Texas and marked the beginning of an era that would make cattle the number one agricultural product in the Texas economy. The Shawnee Trail crossed near the site of Pioneer Plaza and proceeded up the Preston Trail (now Preston Road) to the Red River then turning northeast to Missouri."

You can see all my photos of Pioneer Plaza here.

Pioneer Plaza 10, originally uploaded by smoooch.

48 things

1. FIRST NAME?
Jillian

2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
I heard a rumor about a stranger's baby named Andrea Jillian. Mom- any truth?

3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY?
When I was feeling overwhelmed with my new apartment, painting the kitchen alone and my boyfriend had just left for the UK and I was irrationally thinking I would always be alone.

4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Most of the time.

5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT?
Turkey with left over cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving on thick homemade brown bread.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Yes. But I’d be jealous of my nimble fingers. See this post.

7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL?
This is it.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes. Thanks Mom. She doesn't believe children need to be seperated from their tonsils.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Yes, by slowly climbing off the edge and hanging by the fingers until I just simply couldn't hold on any longer. Then I would scream.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE CEREAL?
Porridge with berries.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Depends if they have shoelaces.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Only when I remember that I got to Paris at 11pm and found a hostel in a deserted area north of the city. I was terrified but I did it and now it's a measure to remind myself I can move through the fear.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ICE CREAM FLAVOUR?
Coffee.

14. SHOE SIZE?
7 and a half

5. RED OR PINK?
Red. Blood red.

16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVOURITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
My inability to delay gratification.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My maternal grandfather. Hands down.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
Only if they want to.

19. WHAT COLOUR PANTS, SHIRT AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Patched jeans, a lime green sweater, white socks and cream leather Deisel runners.

20. LAST THING YOU ATE?
A pomagranate.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Jeffery Gaines, A Hero In Me on satellite radio in the office. Blogging on a break.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOUR WOULD YOU BE?
Blue-grey

23. FAVOURITE SMELL?
Peonies after a spring rain.

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My mother.

25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO?
The way they walk.

26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON YOU STOLE THIS FROM?
I like her blog.

27. FAVOURITE DRINK?
Southern Comfort on ice. Hot chocolate and Baileys. Chocolate Rooiboos with milk.

28. FAVOURITE SPORT?
Gymnastics to watch. Croquet, maybe.

29. EYE COLOUR?
Blue but my right eye is half brown.

30. HAT SIZE?
Average.

31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
No. My whole family wears glasses except me.

32. FAVOURITE FOOD?
Chicken and potatoes, pumpkin pie, eggs benedict.

33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy endings all the way.

35. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Spring.

36. HUGS OR KISSES?
Depends who’s offering.

37. FAVOURITE DESSERT?
Something my mom makes or Creme Brulee and Creme Carmel, warm pumpkin pie and fresh cream.

38. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Who knows.

39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
The lurkers.

40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING?
A book on Swiss Ball excercises. I'd like to have "The Son of a Witch" by the guy who wrote Wicked.

41. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
nothing. It's boring.

42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV?
CSI Miami

43. FAVOURITE SOUNDS?
Cat purring, silence, jazz from the 40's, tea kettles.

44. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES?
Beatles.

45. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME?
Isle of Skye, Scotland

46. WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT?
I have nimble fingers.

47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Red Deer Regional Hospital, Red Deer, Alberta.

48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
No one. I found it on a blog.

25 things

1. He doesn't spit in public.
2. He doesn't litter.
3. He doesn't yell.
4. He doesn't make me pay for everything.
5. He doesn't hardly ever get mad.
6. He's not mean spirited.
7. He rubs my back for a long time if I want him too.
8. He pays every other time, no matter what we're doing.
9. He is a good kisser.
10. He is funny and makes me laugh.
11. He is gentle and loving.
12. He is considerate to others.
13. He looks after my things for me if I'm away and buys me flowers when I come home.
14. He's creative and clever and handy with a drill.
15. He can fix things and put up shelves.
16. He's thoughtful and generous.
17. He's a great movie mate with lots of cuddling.
18. He makes a mean cup of cocoa.
19. He's smart as a whip.
20. He's taller than me and blond. This is not so important, but I like it.
21. He likes to dance. We need to go out dancing more.
22. He plays with my cat.
23. He has an accent. Same with #20. Not so important, but I like it.
24. He is a kind hearted person.
25. He is my boyfriend.

speaking of crafts

Speaking of crafts, if you live in the Vancouver area and especially Commercial Drive, another craft fair is coming your way. But isn't it anyways, since so is Christmas? Anyways, chin up, this one is cool.

Head down to I Heart Crafts on Nov 25th at the Legion hall on 7th and Commercial. I'm a crafter so I heavily encourage you to support your local handy dander, go to the sales, and give the gift of homemade gifts by either making them yourself or paying someone who is more talented than you. I mean that in the most nicest possible way. Not everyone is Miss Nimble Fingers, you know.



Today's NaBloPoMo links:
An Open Cupboard
French Toast Girl
Knitorious

ambitions in embroidery

embroid, originally uploaded by smoooch.

Small and dainty, the french knot is a very effective and beautiful embroidery stitch. It's the small blue dots in the picture. and a seemingly easy one to do. It's a knot. How hard could it be? Not so hard but holy time consuming. I spent 5 hours on French Knots today. That's about 350. And I'm not done. And it's only one pillowcase. I have yet to do its matching pair.

Todays NaBloPoMo links:

A Frayed Knot
Always Listen to Your Pig Puppet
An Eye For Detail

coming home

blondy, originally uploaded by smoooch.

I'm looking forward to seeing you again.
lovejill