The Zodiac of the Awesome

My friends Amberspyglass and Red Magpie are GENIUSES.

GENIUSES, I TELL YOU!!!

This is entirely their own work, including the symbols.

So tell me -- what's your sign?

my head is full

My head feels like a helium balloon. So much in it...which sounds funny when you're talking about a balloon. I suppose it feels as though it could float away; I need to tie it to something.

I feel as though I'm becoming more myself, which is rather exciting, but I don't yet know what it means.

I've accepted that I don't fit at work. I just don't. I'm too different, too creative, and deliciously non-corporate. I acknowledged to myself a few weeks ago that I just don't have what they're looking for. Today I realised, with a rocket-boost of self-confidence, that they just don't have what I'm looking for.

Mum and I went to The Guild Shop, which sells works by Canadian artists, to view a fibre arts exhibition. It was quite exciting to realise that I could create some of these same things myself. Inspiring. And whilst there I decided, in a fit of grown-upness, to invest in a new ring. I wear one on nearly every finger, and most of them are cast silver. So I figured I'd get an investment piece, of a sort, which made me feel quite la-la and sophisticated.

Of course, being me, I ended up attracted to something so spectacular, so subtly subversive, that it didn't matter a whit that it wasn't anywhere close to what my frontal lobe had in mind. I give you my precious. It's the lime green one (second pic down on the left-hand side), which I'm quite sure would look right at home with my old space station set. Do you see? Do you see? That ain't no product of millennia in that setting. I'll give you a hint.

I'm feeling calmer. Still lots of self-work to do, but I'm starting to feel as though everything will be all right. I'm contemplating something that I always shied away from - slowly, slowly, going freelance. I can't ignore the pull any longer. Hiding behind sensible things like geography and urban planning hasn't worked. So we shall see.

For now, I'll keep this new ring close at hand (har har) as a reminder. It'll be my talisman in times of public service drudgery, self-doubt, and sanity-questioning. I'll just point it at the offending individual, or at my temple if I need a boost, and whisper: zot.

So I guess I'm actually committed now, huh?

Dan, you've got a lot to answer for, mate. I mean -- white trainers???

All kitted out and overexposed:

Lorena’s Impending Mayhem

Finally, finally, finally, Ms. Snark's package is ready to mail. I'm hoping it'll be worth the madman-wandering-endlessly-in-the-desert-length wait.

Because I enjoy being evil on the odd occasion, I thought I'd summarise the parcel's contents in the form of obscure hints. Many will make no sense, but it's a great way to up the anticipation. Ready?

1. Because everyone needs a stress monkey.
2. It's almost St. Patrick's day, and what's more green than a sticky turtle?
3. It's my favourite, and perfect for armwarmers.
4. Sometimes, breakfast should be worn rather than eaten.
5. Señor, I don't think being polite will make a difference to them.
6. Even though you already have some, one can always use more of this.
7. Sometimes, the first cup just isn't enough.
8. The sap's about to start running, but there's actually stuff out there that's tastier than syrup.
9. She helped the Canadian troops by running through the night back in 18-something-or-other, but she's best known for more decadent pursuits.
10. Feverish Celts might twist their ankles.
11. Through his eyes, you see the soul-map of the city.
12. Hurrah! In minus degrees, modern women will delight in coolness of trendy phrasing.
13. Because everyone should have the experience of building their very own cottage.
14. Till knit do us part.

I think that's everything...
*insert sinister laugh here*

Revelling in the Snarkitude

I have become one with my Snark-nature. In a spirit of dreadful delinquency, I hadn't photo'd and posted the Snarkdora's Box that was waiting for me when I returned from the land of bluetits and drystone walls. It is past time. Behold:


Here we have, clockwise from top left, some lovely, scented lotion, 2 discs of mp3s (Lorena's Mangled Heart and Lorena's Crazy Life) - stellar! - some local honey (mmmmm), a lovely card that I will frame, some handspun that I remember mentally admiring on her blog when it was being spun (can't wait to play with it!!!), a collection of wildlife stitch markers, which I will have to re-photo so you can appreciate them - there's a bear, a skunk, a squirrel, and a cardinal - some Mountain Colors Bearfoot sock yarn in the 'Indian Corn' colourway (hooray! hooray! I get to try it! eeee), some lovely chocolate that has since been eaten, and two teas.

Snark, thanks so much for this wonderful package, you stellar human being, you. Your generosity knows no bounds, and I only hope that the odd collection of toys I have for you will make up for my distracto-nature over the last month or so! Thankyouthankyouthankyou for the hours of pleasure (yarn porn) and the delightful anticipation.

A close-up of Lorena's fine work:

furious

I don't wish to go into great detail, but a family member has really let me down. If you're unable, uncomfortable, or unwilling, fine. Fine. No problem. But don't keep harping on it, rationalising and justifying and excusing. Enough. Let it go.

Since you didn't/couldn't/wouldn't, I hung up.

I'm getting off me' arse and doing something productive!

I'm participating in the MS Society of Canada's Super Cities Walk on April 15th to raise money for MS research. Ten whole K. Ack.

I'm doing so in honour of my incredible cousin Daniel, whose life was just way too short.

If you'd care to pledge my madwomanly efforts, you can do so at my personal fundraising page on the MS website.

Positive 'Goooooooooooooo Soho!' thoughts on April 15th are also welcome. :)

Props to Suga

Ever heard a soundtrack to a movie that doesn't exist? It's about time you did.

The first time I heard this - complete with scene excerpts - I actually asked what movie it was from, 'cos it sounded so blaxploimazing I just had to see it. And Sean explained the project he and Jamillah have undertaken: to write a soundtrack based on a non-existent movie.

And so I give you Suga's Last Stand.

(check out Suga's Last Stand and Unglued)