tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17622507704069604232024-03-12T21:33:06.103-05:00Hunt & HearthThe Philosophy of Shopping & Homeun stéministe (she/her)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02137434207410113164noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762250770406960423.post-17554259437910902982023-08-27T07:30:00.002-05:002023-08-27T07:30:57.656-05:00Music Church<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ejXrUqpLAKQ/VLLeGozSRvI/AAAAAAAADqk/BeMEDEMEv3g/s1600/iPod%2BArchbishop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ejXrUqpLAKQ/VLLeGozSRvI/AAAAAAAADqk/BeMEDEMEv3g/s1600/iPod%2BArchbishop.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Sacred sounds. Pantheons of minstrels--demigods, saints, and idols. We go to revival meeting-concerts and rededicate our lives, through call and responses. Hear our favorite visiting preachers. Remake ourselves in their image. Epidemics of beards and tight pants sweep the nation. We sing along to playlist liturgies. We dance our ecstatic worship dances. We worship en masse at parties, together in the car, alone with an iPod on the bus.</span></div>
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The stories of our lives are indexed to songs--"our" song, theme songs, the song you were listening to when you got some news. We grieve to them. Heal to them. Celebrate to them.</div>
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Together, they make up our music religion, our music church.</div>
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A couple of my favorite priests: Devendra Banhart and The Tallest Man on Earth.</div>
un stéministe (she/her)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02137434207410113164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762250770406960423.post-33783714905950235862023-08-27T03:08:00.001-05:002023-08-27T03:08:07.099-05:00Book Review: "Spinster: Making a Life of One's Own" by Kate Bolick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rjDYITDAfNg/VWNZi-K59iI/AAAAAAAAD4k/-NDEpCTP29I/s1600/Spinster.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rjDYITDAfNg/VWNZi-K59iI/AAAAAAAAD4k/-NDEpCTP29I/s400/Spinster.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 14.1818px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Kate Bolick has an inviting writing voice--humorous, literate, and with the easy conversational style of a pedagogical big sister. She moves easily between personal memoir, the history of spinsterhood, and the biography of five literary women, who were each, for at least part of their lives, single.<br /><br />Her primary mission in the book seems to work out the tug-of-war she feels between sharing her life with a partner and between the pleasures of solitude. As her biographical research evidences, she is not the first human being to grapple with this dichotomy, nor will she be the last.<br /><br />I heard it expressed in my grandmother's recurring explanation: "I'm going to fly the coop!" Or in my mother's wish for a simpler life, where she need only keep a small, tidy apartment. Kate Bolick calls this the "spinster wish," this deep longing for solitude.<br /><br />In college, I devoured Virginia Woolf's <i>A Room of One's Own.</i> She confirmed for me something that I knew in my heart to be true. Every one who wants it should have time and space to call their own. Not all relationships leave allow one to have space and time of one's own. <br /><br />Unlike the spinster of old who was necessarily a virgin, Bolick continues to date in her single state, which doesn't really fit my conception of the spinster as withering on the vine. But Bolick seems to think this is the opinion of society. "Those of us who've bypassed the exits for marriage and children tend to motor through our thirties like unlicensed drivers, unauthorized grown-ups." (5) She says that over time, single women have been "a lightening rod for attitudes toward women in general," caricatures of selflessness (Mother Teresa), eccentricity (Holly Golightly), and power (Joan of Arc). (15)<br /><br />She believes that the poet, Edna St. Vincent Millay's "embrace of possibility, and willingness to improvise rather / than 'nail down' a life, discomfits and disrupts now as much as it did then." (151-152) If she's right, and I'm not sure that it is, why should the freedom of others bother us? My suspicion is that we, most of us, covet a similar freedom--the freedom "to love whomever you want, as abundantly as you can. Her legacy wasn't recklessness," Bolick writes," but a fierce individualism that even now evades our grasp." (152)<br /><br />Bolick plays up the dichotomy, but the seeds of a solution are in her book. There is space for both solitude and companionship. It is the longing for each which ensures that each continues to be honored in turn.</span></span>un stéministe (she/her)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02137434207410113164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762250770406960423.post-7372647887946871432023-08-27T03:03:00.000-05:002023-08-27T03:03:08.814-05:00Ink: Wearing Your Heart On a Sleeve<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been mulling over tattoo ideas for several years now. I began to contemplate them while working at a clinic in Illinois, discussing them with tattooed patients, both their designs, and a well-reputed parlor in town. By this time a design had come to me which described, I felt, my sense of my vocation, and I had begun to sketch it, knowing that one should sit with an idea for something so permanent for awhile. I wanted to wear it on my left forearm, where I could see it, as for instance, when playing the violin, but also cover it up. It would be a tree, with roots in proportion to branches. In the branches would be hearts, like leaves or fruit. And also through the roots would wend hearts. To me, it was a recognition, that I had received love from others, through my roots, in the way that a tree does, that that love had nourished me, and that it had born fruit, which I could now share with others. Recently, a favorite band, The Giving Tree Band, came out with a song <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thegivingtreeband/videos/10152889539703668/?pnref=story">Live Love, Give Love</a> that rather embodies this sentiment. </div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g7DmojVDWnE/VbeB5u05aII/AAAAAAAAD9M/jJ570afb388/s1600/Vizcaya%2BMermaid%2BDeering.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g7DmojVDWnE/VbeB5u05aII/AAAAAAAAD9M/jJ570afb388/s400/Vizcaya%2BMermaid%2BDeering.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">My second idea for a tattoo came to me through one of my poems, a line of which is, "stroke through eternity--mermaid of the skies." This image of being at home both in the air and at sea has stayed with me, of living between two worlds. There is a line in the movie <i>Ever After, </i>where the Danielle character says to Leonardo da Vinci, who serves as a sort of fairy godmother in the 1998 adaptation: "<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">A </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">bird may love a fish</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">, </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">Signore</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">, </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">but where would they live</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">?," to which he responds, "</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">Then</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"> I shall have to make </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">you wings</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">." And one of the most beautiful instances of cinematic costuming ensues. I have always felt that I had the power of both flight, and aquatic movement. Now for anyone who's ever been a rather serious swimmer, as I was somewhat in high school, of the sprinter variety, you'll know that when you swim quite fast, the water falls away to the side, as with a speed boat, skimming over the water, and it feels almost as if you are flying over the surface. I found that I was not the only person to have conceived of the winged mermaid. James Deering did a sculpture on a stone barge at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, on the Miami Coast, in 1916. The mermaid's features are classical. She leans over, as though carrying Atlas's burden on her back. She seems to feel a certain responsibility in her duality. I've thought about wrapping her tail down my arm.</span><br /><br /><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">I saw a friend's tattoo recently. He had the state tree of Texas, with his grandparents' names. I know</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LLtrCupUHBU/VbeF0oAvv-I/AAAAAAAAD9U/wWnySOEIr5w/s1600/A%2BMighty%2BFortress.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LLtrCupUHBU/VbeF0oAvv-I/AAAAAAAAD9U/wWnySOEIr5w/s200/A%2BMighty%2BFortress.jpg" width="135" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"> that honoring my roots, as with my tree above, is important to me as well. Family history is also important to me. I've been reading Steven Ozment's </span><i style="line-height: 18.2px;">A Mighty Fortress: A New History of the German People</i><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">, to try to understand why they immigrated. They came at different times, and from different places: Oldenburg, before and after the revolution, Prussia, Alsace-Lorraine, by way of the Austrian Empire, Switzerland, and Hungary, while it was still part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. I've thought about making a coat-of-arms out of the flags at the time of their immigration: the bright yellows and oranges of the 18th-century Oldenburg flag, the Prussian eagle, etc. Something to remember the homelands they left. I still have a lot to learn about the "why's" of their coming, though.</span><br /><br /><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">I have other ideas I'm still working through. I've long identified with dryads and nymphs, for various reasons. Long felt an affinity for trees, as above, and an affinity for water, as above. I was reading through my </span><i style="line-height: 18.2px;">The Secret Language of Flowers,</i><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"> by Samantha Gray, this morning and read the myths surrounding the Anemone. One particularly evocative myth was that Anemone was a nymph, who loved both the god of the spring wind and the west wind, but the jealous Queen of flowers turned her into a flower. Still the wind, her lover, finds her, though. The petals of the </span><i style="line-height: 18.2px;">Anemone nemorosa</i><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">, also known as a windflower, close at night. It is said that fairies sleep within the petals of the Anemone flower. I had thought perhaps about doing a little Tinkerbell tie-in, perhaps just one stray, dainty foot, for once upon a time I was a Tinkerbell, who loved a Peter Pan, but alas, he grew up, as Peter Pans always do.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tattoos used to be the exclusive stuff of sailors, the Maori, prisoners. But I believe it's becoming a folk art with broader appeal. And for those in professions which still frown on the permanent embellishment of skin, there is always selecting sites which can easily be covered with clothing. Every tattoo tells a story, a story about what's important to you. I love asking people about their tattoos. Consider tattooing what's important to you.</span><br />
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</span>un stéministe (she/her)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02137434207410113164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762250770406960423.post-19088091406295659572023-08-27T02:51:00.002-05:002023-08-27T02:51:27.689-05:00Bookstore and Library HospiceThe closing of bookstores and stationery stores seems to be a growing trend. I've become an unofficial part of the local bookstore and stationery store hospice brigade. When Barnes and Nobles moved, I was there, stocking up on classics and Kartos stationery. When Borders closed their doors, I was there. When Spark Fine Stationery closed downtown, I was there to buy envelopes and cards. When Papyrus went out of business, I was there, though I hear that after a hiatus of nearly 15 years, they are to reopen. One hopes that it is not only for wedding stationery which has managed to survived. And the thank you note tradition which holds on, among the mothers who teach to their children, as mine did, or even for the marking of significant days, which Hallmark has had a large part in preserving, but for the art of correspondence as well. One wonders that in a day when so many have had a college education, that so many are so little versed in what was once called an education in arts and letters. <br />
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At the start of the new year, another bookstore will close it's doors. It has afforded many happy hours for my brother and I. An important destination on his visits home to this area: the Mishawaka branch of Bargain Books, that capacious store of the yellow sign, nestled between the ABC Warehouse and Spares and Strikes, just behind the Steak and Shake. They have vast holdings in both fiction and non-fiction, and everything is well-marked in yellow banners. My brother has always been a fan of science fiction, and so gives that department, the used bookstore section, and the science department a thorough treatment. I have always enjoyed going through the magazines, the discounted Paperchase stationery, the poetry, and the sort of personal library mainstays that would cost much more if purchased at full price, reference works like atlases and cookbooks. Their foreign language section is large, as are their section in children's books and classics--two great gift categories. A favorite category for gift-giving for me has always been biography. What better way to show honor to a life you admire than with an admirable life? They have a large selection of travel books with which help you plan your travels, and those gorgeous coffee table books which take you there. I always loved that they carried niche series like Nick Bantock's <i>Griffon and Sabine</i> books. It's worth a trip for any regional bibliophile--before the 1st of January if you're a little competitive like me, and again on or after the 1st, when everything will be 50% off, if you're a bargain hunter, also like me.<br />
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I recently began a correspondence with a classicist, and am using that as my excuse for watching Netflix's holdings on that period, including a <i>Spartacus</i> binge (not for children). Among gladiators, only a death upon the sands of competition was considered fitting. I imagine that among bookstores, only a death in selling books is considered fitting. I hope you will spread the word, and do you part, in helping Bargain Books, on Grape Road, have a good bookstore's death. And don't forget the responsibility of the amateur librarian. I do not know where this age of mega bookstores and hemorrhaging libraries is taking us, but we must all do our part to keep knowledge alive. They are not all being rendered digital. It is up to us to preserve that which is worth preserving. Future generations may rely on our efforts at this juncture.<br />
<br /><br />un stéministe (she/her)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02137434207410113164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762250770406960423.post-45360619986660238932023-08-27T02:47:00.000-05:002023-08-27T02:47:08.809-05:00Woman Of the Waves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Water gave me wings. It didn't ask me if I was stronger than the next person. It asked whether I could move my mass through it's substance more aquadynamically than my opponent. On land, muscle wins. In the water, strength, minus resistance, wins. I am a nyad. When I want to go deep, I go deep. When I want to fly over the surface, I fly. And you can't catch me, mermaid that I am. But if I want to, I can be by your side, slippery quick. <br /><br />Water has always set me free. On land, I am limited to horizontal movement. Submerged, the manifold of vertical possibilities opens up. The water receives me. Cradles me. Lifts me as I fly, undulating through it, surface-whale breathe, and dive. It supports me in my dance--my every way twirls, and the snaky dance of my kelpy hair.<br /><br /><div>
It sets my mind free with its silence, blocking out plodding land-problems. It is a contemplative, ever-present friend, singing a song without words, an inexhaustible dance partner who never tires, not in a thousand nights. Sometimes I meet it in the cocoon of my evening bathtub, and sometimes I find it in the great, writhing oceans of the globe. I love it gentle and I love it ferocious--great sea dragon thing.<br /><br />Submerge yourself in whatever sets you free. Embrace the element(s) which allow you to leverage your strengths, and which do not limit your potential.</div>
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Tending a sail on the tall ship Mystic Whaler in the Hudson River. Someday I would like to captain my own boat.<br /></div>
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un stéministe (she/her)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02137434207410113164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762250770406960423.post-49853735582163101562023-08-27T02:31:00.002-05:002023-08-27T02:37:25.321-05:00The Violent Ballet: Why I Watch MMA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have a ballerina build. Like a gangling egret, with static-y hair-feathers, I was built for flight, not the fight. But I delight in the power of graceful movement, in the efficient prowess of violence: the well-thrown punch, the precise, elusive movement.<br />
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Inside, I am a field general, seven-feet tall, all brawn, at the head of an army, marching to war, against everything that is wrong. I vent this in table-top board games, in school work, seeking challenges which present complexity and require decision, but it is not enough. So I vent it through watching sports--violent, competitive sports, chiefly the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA). To me, it is the chess of sports, taking a simple arena, and introducing multiple combat styles, the best combatants seamlessly weaving one style into the next, to tilt the balance of power, and ultimately dominate an opponent--sometimes with control, sometimes with abandon, always reading, leading, anticipating, recalculating.<br />
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In many ways we have evolved beyond violence as the means of conflict resolution it was for our ancestors, though not as much as we should have. But it is still there, I believe, because we are animals.<br />
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I don't believe my dearly beloved, Hufflepuff hoard has ever quite understood this interest, so I would like to give an apology for why the Hunt and Hearth mistress, whose heart is ever at home with humankind, so loves a combat sport. You might start with my moniker. It has a certain duality built into it: the hunt and the hearth, the going out and the coming home. One might mistake it for an homage to the offensive and the defensive. I would find something rather antisocial in attacking for attacking's sake, however. I have only ever seen the biological project as one of survival, and what we call offense is merely a robust arm of defense. A truly educated and effective defense does not come from merely staying home and tending the hearth, but from going out and educating one's self on the nature of the enemy. Now in all of this, I imagine the enemy as the common enemies of humanity--disease and poverty. Local quarrels are not worthy of us--not worthy of our energy, not worthy of our problem solving abilities, nor of our staying power.<br />
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The body is not contented with its complement of antibodies, but is always building new defenses, through encountering foreign substances called antigens. Similarly, we educate our minds with new information, and (should) exercise our bodies with progressively more strenuous antagonists to build strength and endurance.<br />
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In philosophy, you don't hide a cherished theory, you present it to as many challengers as possible, saying "please, attack this. Identify it's weaknesses, so that we may known them, correct them, and so make the theory stronger, or replace it with a better theory." Anything worth having should be able to withstand the scrutiny of rigorous cross-examination.<br />
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So why fighting? For inspiration. Many MMA fighters have overcome great obstacles to become successful in their sport. Life has knocked me down a few times. Because I've seen fighters get back up, I know that I can get back up, and I know that others can get back up. There are things in life that are worth fighting for. A home for humanity that's free of poverty and disease is worth fighting for. And for my part, I'm going to keep getting back up until that is achieved.<br />
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un stéministe (she/her)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02137434207410113164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762250770406960423.post-87654750360503584002020-05-07T13:20:00.000-05:002020-05-07T13:20:28.179-05:00She Looks Good In Her Apocalypse Shoes and So Can You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I bought new shoes again. Only the one pair of feet, though. Owning nice shoes in a northern U.S. city is absurd. If the weather isn't assaulting the suede, the concrete and asphalt are conspiring to tear your sole apart. Only women in Manhattan walk their dogs in high heels. Brave denizens of fashion--humanity's dreams, walk on.<br />
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I've tried deep dives into the news. It begets vomiting and panic attacks, so now I'm news-casual, suppressing agony for humanity's losses with the kind of devil-may-care that limns the darkest of Celinesque comedies. I'm plunging into bookworlds--the longer and stranger the better, anything to avoid looking at the gaping hole in the middle of our world, avoid looking at it right in the eyes. Proust en français, take me away, all the while burrowing a trench toward the enemy--antibody storms and clotting cascades, economic justice and climate change. We. Will. Not. Go. Silent. Say it again. Say it in pretty, dirty shoes. And walk on.un stéministe (she/her)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02137434207410113164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762250770406960423.post-85861506995820657432018-10-11T11:04:00.003-05:002018-10-11T11:04:54.732-05:00Clip Art Closet<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am a shopaholic. We know this. I have a blog on shopping. It's not because I like to clip coupons. I write paeans to shoes and books. I enjoy the process of arranging and amassing beauty, and imposing order on the material world. I don't always purchase injudiciously, however. In fact, I often put a great deal of heart and soul into my trophy-hunting. My cowgirl boots are still the most comfortable shoes in my closet, ten years later, though I would like to grow the herd with the likes of <a href="http://www.sundancecatalog.com/">Sundance</a>, <a href="http://www.sheplers.com/">Sheplers</a>, and <a href="http://www.countryoutfitter.com/">Country Outfitter</a> boots. Replacing my backpack of fourteen years is not a decision to be taken lightly, after all, it finished high school with me, attended several colleges and universities, rode trains and planes, has a killer key clip, pen slots, and pockets, but I'm lusting for something a little more stylish and yellow now, a little less sporty and purely functional. Every piece curated by the <a href="https://inspiremeonline.com/">Inspire Me</a> boutique is, well, inspired. Each piece is a work of art in my closet. No regrets there. But my budget certainly can't keep pace with my curiosity for objects d'arts, hence Amazon Wishlists, and Google Docs of songs to <i>consider </i>buying. The <a href="http://huntandhearth.blogspot.com/2015/03/a-screen-saver-of-my-favorite-things.html" target="_blank">screensaver of favorite things</a> helps. I can't buy medieval jewelry, or anything out of a Chanel ad, obviously, but I can enjoy looking at them as my screensaver scrolls through them. In college, I hit upon a hobby, though, which did a rather decent job of scratching the shopping itch, without breaking the bank. I subscribed to every free catalog I could find, in which I was remotely interested, and cut out items of interest, which as they accumulated, I would paste into a shopping scrapbook. Eventually I had to use aliases to continue receiving catalogs while failing to make purchases. Recently, while working for an online bookseller, I was able to purchase some books and magazines very cheaply, and so I cut these too. (I realize this might offend some bibliophiles, but you must understand that not all books are equal. Cutting out pictures of flowers, with their genus species names, for a someday garden, is a very good use of a $0.25 encyclopedia of flowers.) There is pleasure in the cutting itself, something to do with the precision. One of the best gifts I've ever received was a pair of decorated Conair hair-cutting scissors from my mother. (She got me my other best gift too, which is a yellow tea kettle. (Yellow has long been my favorite color.)) I sort the clippings and keep them in little plastic photo storage cases in clear, plastic, brief cases, which greatly increases the dorkiness of this hobby. It's great to have clippings on hand--an easy reference to show a couturier, architect, or interior decorator, or just to whip up a quick greeting card or <a href="http://huntandhearth.blogspot.com/2015/12/clip-art-illustrated-letters.html" target="_blank">illustrated letter</a>. If your shopping addiction runs more to the idea-of-the-thing than the thing-in-itself, try replacing it with clip art, and I promise to help you discover its manifold uses.</span><br />
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un stéministe (she/her)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02137434207410113164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762250770406960423.post-91698001444522074872018-10-08T17:27:00.000-05:002018-10-08T17:27:19.879-05:00Holy Mother of Circuit Boards, Hear Our Prayer<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7AQlQOrnz2c/Wo1g0cxRH5I/AAAAAAAAGuI/DyjgrnmiU7MkjdSwPZzuk5QKgrRDqDykgCLcBGAs/s1600/00pizan1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7AQlQOrnz2c/Wo1g0cxRH5I/AAAAAAAAGuI/DyjgrnmiU7MkjdSwPZzuk5QKgrRDqDykgCLcBGAs/s400/00pizan1.jpg" width="280" /></a>I have tech brown thumbs. It’s like a hospice for laptops in here. Six months old and shiny, my latest PC is already struggling. What does it want?! More power? Perhaps it loathes my political invective, or would prefer to project the Criterion Collection instead of another MMA fight. <br />
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Is it that I put off software updates as long as possible? Milktoast machinery! Minds and slices-of-tree have more staying power. Is it the hours of meticulous window-shopping? Or does it simply long to be employed more creatively? Do you not ken Shostakovich?! Is my escapist screensaver of favorite things too eclectic for your algorithm? Do the unifying themes escape you? Do you need your food cut into bits and bytes? You won't understand the patterns of agency until you know its algorithms intimately, not until you know what it is to be an agent which yields chaos. You will always be the historian of death, and never the general who anticipates its plan of attack.<br />
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Come, skeletons of machines, and I will give you second lives--a sort of occupational rehabilitation--one to run software, another to store microscopy photographs, a third to be a digital library. And you will support my computer--which knows agency and chaos. <br />
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May pens be ever ink full,</div>
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May minds with metaphor and sim'le effulgent be,</div>
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May keys never, with whisky nor with tea, hold fast,</div>
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This, oh Mother of Circuit Boards, our fervent pray'r be.</div>
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un stéministe (she/her)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02137434207410113164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762250770406960423.post-79013169329718550132018-06-26T06:14:00.000-05:002018-06-26T07:03:08.931-05:00The Secret Joy Dress Comes Home<br />
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Sort of. You think you know precisely the dress you want--only a dress of red and blue, only a twirly dress will do, only a dress from Tennessee, only a dress that's cut to the knee. And then you meet her. She has unexpected flowers, and a grown-up neckline. She wants to wear heels and go to dinner with a clutch and meet interesting people. She may even want to dance.</div>
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You saw her on ThredUp, and you knew she was meant to be in your life, so you invited her in. Years of longing for the Anthropologie Secret Joy Dress are at an end. Joy is meant to be lived out loud and in the open. Joy is meant to shared. Perhaps she has echoes of your Hungarian ancestors, and evokes an East you'd like to visit--a big, beautiful world of people to dance with, to break bread with, to share joy with. Johnny Was a not-so-secret silk ThredUp joy dress.</div>
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I've found my Secret Joy Dress,</div>
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It's not the Secret Joy Dress.</div>
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My not-so-secret joy, dress,</div>
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Is whenever I'm with you.</div>
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Our closet is my haven,</div>
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Dear darling fashion maven,</div>
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I can dress you up and dress you down,</div>
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Just always, always, be around.</div>
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un stéministe (she/her)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02137434207410113164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762250770406960423.post-57806432188615786852017-06-09T03:17:00.000-05:002017-06-09T03:17:23.517-05:00Girlfriends Across Space and Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Don't you wish you could have known your Mom, your aunts, your grandmothers when you were the same age? I do. I'm taking a little trip this coming week to visit my grand girls: the ones I wish I could have gone to nursing school with, back in the 1940s and 1950s, talked about boys, maybe even been a fly on the wall when Marylou and Ed tore up the dance floor, or spied on Donna and Paul, as they enjoyed a lager at the long bar at the fanciest restaurant in town.<br />
<br />I would have had artichokes with my Mom and Aunt, and nerded it up with my Dad and the hippie Christian set in the Bay Area, in the late 1970s and early 1980s.<br /><br />In my family, women keep address books, and they keep recipe cards, so tonight, I'm redoing my address book, finally conceding the wisdom of pencil. Millenials move... a lot. It's not like too many of us are naming our manors and planting multi-generational orchards. Perhaps someday. <br />
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I'm using the Rifle Paper company's new book. It benefits from having room for many entries, including an email line. And includes a section in back for important birthdays, anniversaries, etc. It has a cute embossed design on the front, and is lined with paper a la the Rifle paper company. <br />
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I'm bringing some recipe cards with me to the land of my roots, so I can copy down the good stuff--that my parents and their siblings grew up with, that my grandparents grew up with: my Great Grandmother's Christmas cookies, my Hungarian Great Grandmother's "Chicken Paprikash and Kenefles."<br />
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I<b> </b>am finally ready to take my place among the keepers-of-addresses and recipes. To help on the recipe quest, I purchased <a href="http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/watch-comeys-testimony-puts-spotlight-president-trump/" target="_blank">Shannon Kirsten Illustration</a>'s Black and White Floral Recipe cards from her Etsy shop. I can't wait to start recording some of the recipes that I grew up with, and that have been warming my family's kitchen at least since my great grandmothers! What kind of hearth would I keep if I did not, from time to time, make and share the food my ancestors? It is a practice which seems nearly universal among humanity. Remembering people, dates, and flavors, is a great way to connect across our broader, global home, through time and space!</div>
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<br />un stéministe (she/her)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02137434207410113164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762250770406960423.post-34791471192787867092017-05-02T15:49:00.000-05:002017-05-28T12:26:29.326-05:00Tales From Relationship Land<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You know those friends who disappear and <i>say </i>they're going to get coffee with you, or call you, or update their blog, but they've absconded to relationship land? Yeah, that's me; that's where I've been. I make fun of my sister, because when she's in a relationship, she's <i>in </i>it, and I know I won't hear from her again until she's ready to break up, and needs help crafting a nice, but firm, breakup message (I'm there for the firm). But... I'm basically guilty of the same thing. <br />
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A "do you have time to talk?" text is virtually a "Mayday" signal in our family. Although we love each other very, very much, we have a quarterly, monthly at most, need for verbal affirmation. So an SOS from one of our beloved, hyper-independent siblings is a stop-everything-and-clear-your-schedule type of event. Need nice words now!<br />
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Through dating, or if you're smart and learn through watching other people's mistakes, you realize that some things people might think are important in a partner, really aren't important at all, and that other things you might not think are important, turn out to actually be quite important. Take body type, for example, I've never met a body type, I didn't develop a fondness for on account of the person inside. Or take intellectual passion. It matters less what a person has a passion for, intellectually, than that they <i>are</i> intellectually passionate. And I realize this could open me up to some onerous counterexamples, but passion really can make almost anything interesting. If you've listened to NPR and had a "driveway moment," you know this. Although they certainly haven't considered <i>all</i> things, I don't think there's anything they wouldn't consider.<br />
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Through dating, or again, if you're smart and learn through watching other people's mistakes, you realize that there are some things about which you can agree to disagree with a partner, and some things on which, if they disagree with you, you simply cannot maintain the requisite amount of respect to justify partnership. I have found (1) that I need them to be agnostic about the existence of god, and (2) that I need them to care about humanity, all of humanity--not in a Bernie-bumper-sticker or Sunday-mornings kind of way--though voting is important, but in how their valuation of their fellow human beings is reflected in the way they spend their time and money. I need to know that they care beyond their front door, beyond their borders. I need to know that a heart which could hold love for me, is incapable of holding anything but love for each and any of their fellow human beings. <br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">The first person I dated, during my blogging hiatus, thought my brain was the most beautiful part of me. We met on the internet, where I meet a lot of people, because it gives me super-vetting powers. We had a lovely correspondence, even lovelier conversations, and on a whim, he flew across two states for a magical first date. He was quick to blush, quick to giggle, and told the best stories. His words were always kind. He shared my love of public policy. And I thought we were on the same page during the early primaries, until one morning, when he had been up the entire night before, drinking. Now I'm a girl who can hold her scotch, and he wasn't my first partner who was fond of alcohol, so I had developed a pretty firm theory that alcohol doesn't change who we are; essentially, it just amplifies it. My baby sister, the third member of our relationship analysis sorority told me that drunk minds speak what's in sober hearts. I believe she's correct. On that particular morning, my partner proceeded to share what he </span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">really</i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> thought of the orange man who had yet to even win his party's nomination. He mentioned deal-making abilities, and seemed to think that self-avowed ability enough match for the most intractable of disagreements in the Middle East. He went on to dig himself further into the hole, citing outlying instances of racism in the Black Lives Matter movement--a movement designed to counteract the harms of racism, and outlying instances of misogyny in Islam--a religion, the core of which, is peace. His rant could not have been better scripted to prompt me to end our relationship. To this day, I wonder how I missed those positions during our months together. This is an example of not remaining with someone who does not share your core beliefs. It was not possible to remain with him after he expressed these ignorant, biased views. To remain at his side would have felt an endorsement of those views.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br />The next person I dated, during my blogging hiatus, was not a fan of the orange man. He was even perhaps a little pie-in-the-sky with his liberalism, but it wasn't a swing state, so who cares about fiscal and political feasibility?! He liked my brain as well. At first he was curious about me. I was like the odd, one-of-a-kind toy they only made one copy of and then never managed to replicate. When you pull her string, she says witty things! She drinks her scotch neat! She watches MMA fights! In sense of humor, we were well-matched. We sat down for "Meet the Press" like we were hitting the pew on a Sunday morning to hear Pastor Chuck Todd lead the Fourth Estate like it was the First, shouting out our "Amen's" and our "Hell no's". As with toys, perhaps the novelty just started to wear off. His curiosity in me dwindled, and my roll become ossified--the girlfriend accessory. He only needed an automaton, so all of me stopped showing up, because all of me wasn't needed. You need to be with someone who wants all of you, body and soul. You need to be with someone who stays curious about you. Who, no matter how expert on you they become, they never stop going to school, because there's always more to learn on a subject worth knowing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BbX3ZSr43KA" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><u>Addendum</u> (5/28/17):</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;">The partner in the last paragraph is a fan of the artist, Amanda Palmer. One of his favorite songs of hers is "The Bed Song," which depicts a couple initially sleeping single-sleeping bag close, and then drifting farther and farther apart, never talking about why. At the end of the song, sleeping side-by-side in adjoining graves, one partner asks the other "what was the matter?," to which the other replies "I would have told you, if only you'd asked me."<br /><br />Someone commented on this post, suggesting that maybe my partner simply hadn't been interesting enough to hold my attention. The suggestion that my partner had been somehow deficient, coming from what I assumed was a position of ignorance, incensed me. Who dared to impugn the brilliant mind and beautiful soul I had been privileged to know and love for almost a year? I realized in that moment, as I crafted a response, that I wanted to fight for him, and that I wanted to fight for us.<br /><br />I rolled over, across the proverbial bed, and told him what was the matter on my side, and asked him what was the matter on his. And it wasn't easy, but we worked toward each other, until there was no space between us, back to the middle of the bed, back to single-sleeping bag close.<br /><br />When I chose the cover image for this post, I thought she was doing all of the work--that he wasn't helping, imperious. But I think what is important is that you have to fight your way back to someone worth loving, even when it's hard. There are two sides to every story, two sides to every bed; and two people have to fight to get back to the middle. And sooner rather than later. For why would you miss even one night of single-sleeping bag close, if you didn't have to?<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dWWKSCIgrGQ" width="560"></iframe></span>un stéministe (she/her)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02137434207410113164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762250770406960423.post-2858769873813374662016-12-31T04:45:00.000-06:002018-06-26T03:10:38.970-05:00For Love and Exploration: New Hearth, Same Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Hunt and Hearth Mistress here, newly ensconced in her very own tower in Chicago, official practitioner of the clinical laboratory sciences, still a forester of dresses and a sailor on the ocean of shoes. <br />
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I suppose you might think that moving to one of the largest cities in the country, and multiplying the domestic space for which I am responsible would give me more to say, and I suppose I do have more to say, but there's also so much more for a domestic philosopher to do in the city. Up until now I've spent so much time dreaming about what I would do when I reached this day--the simple, fun things, like dresses and dates, and the bigger things--like researching the mechanics of those things which hold people back from being their best selves, and and now I'm finally ready to roll up my vintage cardigan sleeves, and get my hands dirty. <br />
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But first, I'm sorting out my space, beginning with artwork, especially art prints by Etsy artist <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ClareCaulfield" target="_blank">Claire Caufield</a>, like this pen, ink, and watercolor of Venice: <br />
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Ms. Caufield's work is for my "love" room, where the literature, biographies, and Hunt & Hearth contingent of the library will be stored, as well as the artwork of, and photographs of, family and friends. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wE1RnRDQm-M/WGdxjuwnE0I/AAAAAAAAEm8/qbNFG5RfZZYQ_DczLpfirep-kezPJSVAwCEw/s1600/00181749d4443de97741c111c204a639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wE1RnRDQm-M/WGdxjuwnE0I/AAAAAAAAEm8/qbNFG5RfZZYQ_DczLpfirep-kezPJSVAwCEw/s320/00181749d4443de97741c111c204a639.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
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As an honorary mermaid, former swimmer, and solo canoer (waiting for solo canoeing gender equality in the Olympics), I've always liked the idea of waterways in lieu of streets, and hence, the idea of Venice. Plus, pinks, oranges, and mint greens, are favorite colors. Pinks and golds feature prominently in the love room. </div>
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Mint greens and lumberjack colors are more prominent in the the "exploration" room. The exploration room is a sort of office, and the future home of the microscope. The design conceit features a sort of menagerie and men-harem of explorers, featuring works by Etsy artist <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/DickVincent" target="_blank">Dick Vincent</a> and Etsy artist <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/theblackapple" target="_blank">Emily Winfield Martin</a>'s "The Tatooed Man." </div>
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In addition to decorative developments, slightly more need-based improvements have been made--like non-slip hangers, spices (because you can make rice and beans taste like anything with spices), storage boxes (think Berenstein Bear boxes <span style="font-family: inherit;">à la <a href="http://huntandhearth.blogspot.com/2015/02/best-nest-you.html" target="_blank">Best Nest You</a>), and clothes.</span></div>
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For clothes, I must recommend the online thrift and consignment store: <a href="https://www.thredup.com/" target="_blank">ThredUp</a>. Always wanted black, leather boots, but didn't want to shell out a small fortune? Want a few more dresses in your summer rotation? The bag that completes your outfit? Thrift and consignment are the economical person's means of accessing quality brands. And ThredUp delivers that economy with convenience in adorable polka dot packaging. Avoid the crowds and higher prices! Stop buying new and start buying used!</div>
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My time is <i>mine </i>now. My space is <i>mine </i>now. My money is <i>mine</i> (and my creditors') now. I am mistress in my own home, and it will be for love and exploration and learning--what my home has always been for. What is your home for?</div>
<br />un stéministe (she/her)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02137434207410113164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762250770406960423.post-60838819547033984562015-12-21T14:18:00.000-06:002018-06-26T03:08:29.542-05:00Clip Art Illustrated Letters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Perhaps you didn't know this, or perhaps you did, but <i>The Tale of Peter Rabbit</i> began as an illustrated letter to a young family friend. Now I don't possess Beatrix Potter's talent for illustration, but I like her idea of illustrating letters, so I have begun to incorporate my own fondness for old fashioned clip art--that is, clip art in hard copy--into my letter-writing. If it sounds at all like fun, then I highly recommend that you try it. In an age when adults are being recommended to return to coloring and jigsaw-puzzling as therapeutic, I recommend corresponding, and that with illustration. <br />
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I do most of my art-mining from catalogs and magazines. I subscribe to catalogs for free, and try to get my magazines either at discount bookstores or in discounted lots on Ebay. And then go through them with the dual purpose of pleasing both my own aesthetic sense, but also with my audience in mind. I have amassed quite a library of clip art at this point, and use clear, plastic cases, designed for the storage of photographs, for the storage of clippings--some thirty-two small cases, plus larger portfolios for larger pieces. One of the best gifts I ever received was a pair of stainless steel hair-cutting sheers, with a floral-patterned handle, from my mother. (She gives the best gifts.) Amassing clip art is a relaxing activity for me, much in the way that I imagine knitting is for others. The making of envelopes is another use for found art, which I introduced you to in another post, <a href="http://huntandhearth.blogspot.com/2015/12/how-to-make-magazine-page-envelopes.html" target="_blank">How To Make Magazine-Page Envelopes</a>, and there are still others uses, which I will introduce in future posts, but today I want to introduce you to the illustration of letters with found art.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0VrxiJEPMg4/VnhQJJYDcyI/AAAAAAAAENo/1sX8ayvTalE/s1600/photo%2B3%2B%25288%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0VrxiJEPMg4/VnhQJJYDcyI/AAAAAAAAENo/1sX8ayvTalE/s400/photo%2B3%2B%25288%2529.JPG" width="332" /></a></div>
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Here are some illustrations of capable women for a capable sister. Anne Bonney was a pirate lass who loved one Calico Jack, a pirate. We've both loved a few pirates in our day. The other is a fashion photoshoot image I can't get enough of. My brother and I both collect images on our computers, and images of empowered women are a category we both find worthwhile. Personally, I find women with swords symbolic; for him, it is women with guns. This is one of my favorite images in this category.</div>
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An image to accompany a travel-themed passage for a letter to a penpal. The addition of the luggage-laden lady to a moonscape is a tongue-and-cheek observation on my own tendency to what might charitably be called over-preparedness in packing. I can only imagine undertaking interplanetary travel, so-laden.</div>
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I don't attempt fiction very often, but sometimes, within the confines of a letter, or perhaps even more challenging, on a postcard, I'll invent a small, picture-inspired world. I have a sister who adores all things cute. This is part of a border of Christmas tree ornaments which frame something... an adventure, an intratree dialogue, perhaps, starring the inhabitants of the border. I find that images often make good story prompts. I've tried sending images to correspondents before, asking to be told the story behind the image, but have yet to have any takers.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AN3m6iTq4O8/VnhWhTxOL5I/AAAAAAAAEOM/8v-hk5nxZ7I/s1600/Airmail.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AN3m6iTq4O8/VnhWhTxOL5I/AAAAAAAAEOM/8v-hk5nxZ7I/s320/Airmail.jpg.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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A custom "Air Mail" assignation. I think I shall try more of these.</div>
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I have started including quasi-self portraits in some of my work--mostly of blonde women, with lit bulbs, in hats, garlands, bouquets, etc. The first picture in this post is an instance of this. I think it has something to do, in general, with being bright, and perhaps with bringing light. I sent this piece to a penpal. It is called "Bouquet of Bright:"</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DQu99777q2w/VnhYCV-GfgI/AAAAAAAAEOY/CvDphnjz15k/s1600/bouquetbright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DQu99777q2w/VnhYCV-GfgI/AAAAAAAAEOY/CvDphnjz15k/s400/bouquetbright.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="http://huntandhearth.blogspot.com/2012/07/light-bright-who.html" target="_blank">Be a Bright Something</a>!<br />
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I sent it to him with this song:<br />
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<br />un stéministe (she/her)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02137434207410113164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762250770406960423.post-48954307683278677062015-12-21T13:04:00.000-06:002015-12-21T13:04:26.771-06:00Sealed With An Mmmm...: Wax Seals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T5XGYKQ7EQs/VnhD6J7QDxI/AAAAAAAAENM/q0SRSMAuXUk/s1600/MMMMM.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T5XGYKQ7EQs/VnhD6J7QDxI/AAAAAAAAENM/q0SRSMAuXUk/s320/MMMMM.jpg.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
If you've never worked with wax seals, then you're missing a fun part of the material aspect of correspondence! Wax and seals can easily be purchased at stationery stores like Papyrus, or online at various Etsy shops. Wax are available in a variety of colors, and seals are available in monograms and symbols to add a little more of your unique style to your letter. <br />
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To use a wax seal, simply select the seal and color of wax best-suited to your particular piece of correspondence. Then, gently heat the wick on the wax and allow enough drops of wax to fall onto the envelope to cover an area roughly the size of the seal. I usually keep a lighter in my box of quill pens, wax, and seals, for this purpose. Then, blow out the flame, and use the end of the wax to gently smear the wax to cover the area of the seal. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eTcrP0fDAsY/VnhBQUKlz4I/AAAAAAAAEMo/o8T6Grf7zqo/s1600/photo%2B1%2B%252827%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eTcrP0fDAsY/VnhBQUKlz4I/AAAAAAAAEMo/o8T6Grf7zqo/s400/photo%2B1%2B%252827%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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A variety of wax colors. My favorites have a hint of glitter in the wax.</div>
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The G-clef and "A" were gifts from my mother. The "M" I purchased on Etsy.</div>
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Allow several drops of wax to fall onto the area of the seal, before extinguishing the flame and gently smearing the wax to the area of the seal with the end of the wax stick.</div>
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Apply your seal firmly, and for some 5-10 seconds, to the center of the area of wax, being careful to apply it right-side-up. Then, gently rock the seal to one side to be sure that the wax has hardened underneath, and rock the seal back-and-forth, if necessary, to allow it to detach from the wax. Don't be disappointed if the seal is not perfect. It should have a rough-hewn look, as though you sealed many things in the course of your day, and in a hurry.</div>
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Voila! My "A" in sparkly green wax! (I advise you to reinforce your seal-work with tape, as I imagine modern postal services are bit rougher than delivery by horse and rider.)</div>
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I have a friend who collects older seals. I love surprising a new pen pal with this accoutrement. As if letter-writing wasn't already fun enough, now you can seal your correspondence with your monogram, a "heart," a "monk seal," or whatever best suits you!<br /><!--3--></div>
un stéministe (she/her)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02137434207410113164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762250770406960423.post-26164187288475724832015-12-02T15:47:00.000-06:002015-12-02T15:47:05.003-06:00How To Make Magazine-Page Envelopes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do you get tired of tucking your letters into the same, tired envelopes? Let me share with you something I learned from my best friend, and you'll soon be conveying your missives in a manner far more exotic.<br />
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First, subscribe to free catalogs whose design and products you're fond of. <i>Anthropologie </i>and <i>Free People </i>are favorite catalogs of mine. Amass magazines of interest whenever possible. I've occasionally purchased lots of old magazines on Ebay, though this can get expensive with shipping. My local bargain bookstore also carries a rotating stock of outdated fashion magazines for a dollar each. When you do get your hands on a magazine, don't just recycle it when you've finished reading, re-purpose those glossy ads and photoshoots into envelopes like so: <br />
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<img border="0" height="257" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uEeOiAH0dVo/Vl9cNI-PkWI/AAAAAAAAEK4/YgKHPYhsqDs/s400/photo%2B1%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></div>
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First, select an intriguing page for transformation. This page is from an issue of the magazine <i>Darling: the Art of Being a Woman, </i>with which my sister gifted me a subscription. </div>
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Flip the page over, and fold the long sides in about one inch on each side.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AQ8vYU8T9e0/Vl9cS870WHI/AAAAAAAAELM/W0JAWRmlQhs/s1600/photo%2B1%2B%252824%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AQ8vYU8T9e0/Vl9cS870WHI/AAAAAAAAELM/W0JAWRmlQhs/s400/photo%2B1%2B%252824%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Play with the fold to determine which portion of the image will make the best front piece.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Av6j-ubuQyg/Vl9cWC24S2I/AAAAAAAAELY/RgOFPfFn74g/s1600/photo%2B3%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Av6j-ubuQyg/Vl9cWC24S2I/AAAAAAAAELY/RgOFPfFn74g/s400/photo%2B3%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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When you've chosen a front piece, tape the sides together. I'll place an address label just under his pocket square. The action of the card flipping towards the viewer will first greet the recipient. And then his arresting stare will greet her as she goes to open the envelope.</div>
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Here are some other things you might try:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0gAa9zCVDM4/Vl9cYY_P5dI/AAAAAAAAELk/yXxS8wqx6qU/s1600/photo%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0gAa9zCVDM4/Vl9cYY_P5dI/AAAAAAAAELk/yXxS8wqx6qU/s400/photo%2B4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This page could be colored in, or left for the recipient to color in.</div>
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This lovely <span style="color: #545454; line-height: 18px;">Hermès ad depicts a lighted igloo of scarves, and is suited to the season.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IJWJzXxqxSo/Vl9ccxFV8rI/AAAAAAAAEL0/biJRJ54AWTE/s1600/photo%2B5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IJWJzXxqxSo/Vl9ccxFV8rI/AAAAAAAAEL0/biJRJ54AWTE/s400/photo%2B5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The easel's shoes, or perhaps the fact that the easel has shoes, is the most enchanting part of this page to me, so I made a very small fold at the bottom of the page, so that that aspect would remain on the front. The address might even fit into the lower right corner to avoid obscuring the artwork. I like that the blue in the tape echoes the blue lines in the painting.<br />
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Let a letter be more than it's words. Let it be an event! And let the curtain go up with a flourish, not at the envelope's unsealing, but at the opening of the mailbox's door! Happy finding, folding, and sending!<br />
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<br />un stéministe (she/her)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02137434207410113164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762250770406960423.post-52414526112620980732015-12-02T14:45:00.000-06:002015-12-02T14:52:37.753-06:00Postcard Writing: To Someone In Particular (And To Anyone Else Who May Be Reading)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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1. If you have something sexy to say, write it in a tantalizing code, slipping breathy secrets just under the nose of the postal service. Or send a recipe. Or write a lot about nothing... but write about it in code... because then it could be anything. And the ladies who work at the front desk in your boyfriend's building will be dying to know what it means!<br />
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2. I'm reminded of a ridiculous Soviet era- romantic comedy, <i>The Glass Bottom Boat</i>, in which Doris Day calls her answering machine and leaves cryptic messages for her dog, Vladimir. Write your post cards as though you are "not writing state secrets," and provide a little entertainment for the powers that be!<br />
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3. Make up a story, perhaps based on the image on the front of the post card, practicing economical poesy or prose by fitting it entirely onto that little square!<br />
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4. Be bold with your words of good cheer! Perhaps someone else will see them and be cheered by them too! You know how watching the opening scenes of <i>Love Actually </i>makes you feel? That's what it's like. It's being cheered by other people's "hello's" and "I love you's" too! <a href="https://youtu.be/bAD2_MVMUlE">https://youtu.be/bAD2_MVMUlE</a><br /><br />There's the art of eavesdropping, and there's the art of being eavesdropped. The enterprising postcard-writer aspires to be worthy of the eavesdropper, or the eavesreader, as it were.<br />
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This postcard is from Etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/104971098/set-of-3-dont-give-up-japan-postcards" target="_blank">meeraleepatel</a>.un stéministe (she/her)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02137434207410113164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762250770406960423.post-59620704119119693332015-09-18T15:30:00.000-05:002015-09-18T15:30:39.457-05:00Hero Music<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P6mIsdFUhM8/Vfxa-2QF1gI/AAAAAAAAEEc/lkrvbKj-eRI/s1600/article-1385541-0BFBF83300000578-618_634x928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P6mIsdFUhM8/Vfxa-2QF1gI/AAAAAAAAEEc/lkrvbKj-eRI/s320/article-1385541-0BFBF83300000578-618_634x928.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
If you're like me, sometimes you forget that you're the hero of your own story, or perhaps that your story is worth telling. It is for times such as these that you need some kick-ass theme music. <div>
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Rhonda Rousey, one of the greatest MMA pound for pound fighters of all time, and current UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion, walks out to Joan Jett's "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RAQXg0IdfI">Bad Reputation</a>."<div>
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In the movie, <i>The Holiday</i>, Iris Simpson (Kate Winslet), while vacationing in Hollywood, meets retired screenwriter Arthur Abbott (Eli Wallach). The Screenwriters' Guild would like to honor him for his achievements, but he is embarrassed to navigate the event with a walker. Iris's love interest, film composer Miles (Jack Black), writes Arthur a confidence-boosting <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhS3iKipYl8">theme song</a>, which plays as he ascends the platform, sans walker. <br /><br />Above left is Georgia May Jagger, the face of Marc Jacob's "Fight Like a Girl" against breast cancer campaign. We can all corner the fight against cancer, by supporting those on the front lines. </div>
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When you're feeling bit part-small, cue your walkout music, and get back in the ring! Remember that there are people in your corner, that you're a hero to them, and that they're cheering you on!</div>
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Today I came across The Marketts' "Out Of Limits." It's big, with a this-town-ain't-big-enough-for-the-both-of-us attitude. It's Beatrix Kiddo, racing along on her yellow Ducati to settle old scores in <i>Kill Bill</i>. When I hear this, I'm ready to fight! What's your hero music? </div>
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un stéministe (she/her)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02137434207410113164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762250770406960423.post-86890158869086105342015-07-02T06:41:00.002-05:002015-07-08T07:15:03.089-05:00Book Review: "#GIRLBOSS" by Sophia Amoruso <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_b93nepkwI/VY5FOIipf3I/AAAAAAAAD7k/jqw9uUNo2B0/s1600/GIRLBOSS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_b93nepkwI/VY5FOIipf3I/AAAAAAAAD7k/jqw9uUNo2B0/s400/GIRLBOSS.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The time has come for the first book review! And what better book to kick things off with than <a href="http://www.nastygal.com/">Nasty Gal</a> CEO and Founder's inspirational, brand-spanking-new, girl-power memoir, <i>#GIRLBOSS</i>?! In it, she traces her rise from slacker teen to fashion maven, highlighting hard-learned lessons, and outlining the ethos of the "girlboss," a girl who marches to the beat of her own drum, believes in the beauty of her dreams, and perhaps most importantly, works her ass off in pursuit of them.*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">31-year-old Sophia Amoruso explains that even those early, hourly wage jobs had something to teach her about showing up and working hard. By far her biggest breakthrough, though, was in working long hours for herself, selling vintage through her eBay store. She searched the thrift racks of San Francisco, painstakingly crafted the photoshoots that gave her products an edge, built relationships with her customers through social media, and built something great from the details up. Now she leads a of one-of-a-kind, multi-million dollar fashion brand. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Amoruso has a little preaching to do to the shopaholic. She's a huge proponent of saving. And she's not in favor of emotional shopping. This was hard for me to hear. I essentially shop with an imaginary currency called "like." Whether or not I purchase something has historically had less to do with financial considerations, and more to do with the quantity of "like" it engenders, but I am a recovering shopaholic. Listen to this girl, and keep some money in the bank!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"...[E]ach time you show up to work and work hard and do your best at everything you can do, you're planting seeds for a life that you can only hope will grow beyond your wildest dreams. Take care of the little things--even the little things that you hate--and treat them as promises to your own future. Soon you'll see that fortune favors the bold who get shit done." <span style="color: #222222; line-height: 14.1818180084229px;">(121) I like the idea of thinking of responsible decisions as promises to one's future.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 14.1818180084229px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As I was reading this book, it had my baby sister written all over it. She has always lapped me in having her shit together. She is the most natural, bad-ass girl boss I know.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Some of the proceeds of the book go to Amoruso's <a href="http://girlboss.nastygal.com/foundation/">#GIRLBOSS Foundation</a>, which funds the efforts of up-and-coming girl bosses. <br /><br />Despite gearing her book toward young, female entrepreneurs, boy bosses can get on this train too! Hard work and dreams are for everyone!</span><br />
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The name "Nasty Gal" comes from this same-titled Betty Davis song and album.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vf5NUBIcEyU" width="420"></iframe><br /><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 17.4545459747314px;"><br />*I borrowed from:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 17.4545459747314px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away." -- Henry David Thoreau, <i>Walden</i><br /><br />"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." -- attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt</span></span><br />
<br />un stéministe (she/her)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02137434207410113164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762250770406960423.post-3034813138414783562015-05-25T04:56:00.000-05:002015-05-25T04:57:58.805-05:00Star-Spangled Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have a card from the Selective Service asking me to confirm whether I am, in fact, a girl, as according to their records, I am. I tried to register because bellicose big sisters should be able to sign up instead of their artist little brothers.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O-vwKXfnRt8/VVsHVvxvYtI/AAAAAAAAD1s/V6y94GUPAcU/s1600/Star-Spangled%2BHeart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O-vwKXfnRt8/VVsHVvxvYtI/AAAAAAAAD1s/V6y94GUPAcU/s320/Star-Spangled%2BHeart.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
I remember, working at a summer camp, crawling on my elbows through the tall grass to cross enemy lines during a game of capture the flag. Or burrowing into a thicket of vines, and under a pile of leaves, as campers searched the campus hoping to gain 150 points by finding "the girl lifeguard." Or earning the nickname "Baby Seal" after performing after dark maneuvers, in snake-infested waters, to recover the trampoline, which should have been taken in long before. <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif-light, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 14.1818180084229px;">(</span>"Baby" for forgetting it in the first place, and "Seal" for retrieving it under cover of darkness.)<br />
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I tried to enlist in the Navy twice during the recent wars, but was rejected, more or less, for being, in the parlance of my sister, "wimpy."<br />
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I have long been proud of the service of family and friends. And I have made peace with my lot to stay home. On Memorial Day, as we remember the sacrifices of our countrywomen and countrymen, I can't think of a better memorial than to endeavor to build a nation and a world worthy of their sacrifice, and to guard their children and their children's children from similar sacrifice. For ultimately, success will not be measured in the hegemony of star-spangled hearts, but in the fellowship of all human hearts, in the breaking of bread, on a Memorial Day in the not too distant future, when we can remember together war as a thing of the past. Perhaps this is a naive dream, but it is a beautiful dream, which I shall continue to dream. For home is where the heart is, and my star-spangled heart is at home with humankind.<br />
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<br />un stéministe (she/her)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02137434207410113164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762250770406960423.post-2403925183064963302015-05-18T11:32:00.000-05:002015-07-02T06:33:16.078-05:00ShoLoGlo: Shop Locally... In the Global NeighborhoodSo it's not exactly shopping locally, but then it's not furthering most of the ills of globalization either. It's shopping the local designer, the small designer, in the global neighborhood. Three of my favorite websites support small scale designers, and I'd like to share them with you, so you can shop the global neighborhood too! <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aqWyqyylVDE/VViuPw6n_hI/AAAAAAAADy0/U_z9uPdBmdE/s1600/Ten-Thousand-Villages-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aqWyqyylVDE/VViuPw6n_hI/AAAAAAAADy0/U_z9uPdBmdE/s320/Ten-Thousand-Villages-logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/">Ten Thousand Villages</a> is a fair trade dealer of products from all over the world. Included with each product is a description of its provenance, like this necklace from Ecuador. They deal in mostly in handmade jewelry, apparel, and household goods.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q3GB7E2PKh0/VVivW3ALJzI/AAAAAAAADzA/NowD0dbuJ2Y/s1600/Tagua%2BJungle%2BNecklace.TTV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q3GB7E2PKh0/VVivW3ALJzI/AAAAAAAADzA/NowD0dbuJ2Y/s200/Tagua%2BJungle%2BNecklace.TTV.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.novica.com/">Novica</a>, like Ten Thousand Villages, also retails handmade products from all over the world. They provide information about the individual artists as well, not simply the origin of the product, making it possible to follow favorite artists. <a href="http://www.novica.com/artistdetail/?faid=3190">Neeru Goel's jewelry</a> is a favorite. I love the embroided shawls too!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fh0_HPfLOO8/VVi1aZuce3I/AAAAAAAADzk/VCqLg3WOEcw/s1600/Peaches%2Band%2BCream%2BShawl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fh0_HPfLOO8/VVi1aZuce3I/AAAAAAAADzk/VCqLg3WOEcw/s320/Peaches%2Band%2BCream%2BShawl.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x_6aFfDY2Zk/VVi0TkgtsHI/AAAAAAAADzU/5HN_Sr0_tZM/s1600/etsy_logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x_6aFfDY2Zk/VVi0TkgtsHI/AAAAAAAADzU/5HN_Sr0_tZM/s320/etsy_logo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/">Etsy</a>, where I can correspond with designers, sometimes commissioning unique pieces, and often receiving a personalized note with my purchase. These are a few of my favorite Etsy shops.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9araWglzXrE/VVi7Pq2NLzI/AAAAAAAAD0E/7D3xtAsLXsM/s1600/Whimsy%2BWhimsical%2BPaper%2BGoods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="52" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9araWglzXrE/VVi7Pq2NLzI/AAAAAAAAD0E/7D3xtAsLXsM/s400/Whimsy%2BWhimsical%2BPaper%2BGoods.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/whimsywhimsical">Whimsy Whimsical</a> has the cutest woodland creatures on all manner of stationary, including bookplates! She's based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MSpwn6erlpU/VVi7s1dTejI/AAAAAAAAD0M/NYqJhZP7Ixw/s1600/the%2Bwheatfield%2Bby%2Bkatie%2Bdaisy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="52" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MSpwn6erlpU/VVi7s1dTejI/AAAAAAAAD0M/NYqJhZP7Ixw/s400/the%2Bwheatfield%2Bby%2Bkatie%2Bdaisy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thewheatfield?ref=pr_faveshops">The Wheatfield by Katie Daisy</a> is everything bright and uplifting. Her shop features art prints of her original work, and other products, incorporating her artwork, like floral tape. Repairs have never been so jovial! She works out of Bend, Oregon.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DuG-LysEY2U/VVi5-M6Wj-I/AAAAAAAADz8/GyrneYM76JM/s1600/My%2BLavaliere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="52" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DuG-LysEY2U/VVi5-M6Wj-I/AAAAAAAADz8/GyrneYM76JM/s400/My%2BLavaliere.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/mylavaliere?ref=pr_faveshops">My Lavaliere</a> has retro jewelry in the art nouveau/whimsical vein. It's a great place to look for unique pieces at decent prices. My Lavaliere ships from Atlanta, Georgia.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kwL_ASClClo/VVi8OyzwvdI/AAAAAAAAD0U/T77dmbHLZ-M/s1600/Art%2BInspired.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="52" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kwL_ASClClo/VVi8OyzwvdI/AAAAAAAAD0U/T77dmbHLZ-M/s400/Art%2BInspired.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For the romantic or steampunk, there's <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtInspiredGifts?ref=pr_faveshops">Art Inspired Gifts</a>. They sell pocket watches, both on chains and as necklaces, with exposed works and filigree covers. These are beautiful pieces! The magic happens in Oroville, California.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ilJXz7iL3I/VVi9Jh0PMUI/AAAAAAAAD0c/tXFULExJfwU/s1600/boy%2Bgirl%2Bparty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="52" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ilJXz7iL3I/VVi9Jh0PMUI/AAAAAAAAD0c/tXFULExJfwU/s400/boy%2Bgirl%2Bparty.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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From reading octopus bookplates to cheery animals on recipe cards and adventurous animal 'fridge magnets, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/boygirlparty">boygirlparty</a> does all things office supplies, <span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: ; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;">à </span><span style="background-color: ; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;">la San Diego, California,</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: ; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;">à </span><span style="background-color: ; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;">la cute.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-giGQCjqX9cw/VVi-12UmTYI/AAAAAAAAD0k/gQVpxloELPU/s1600/Bookplate%2BInk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="52" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-giGQCjqX9cw/VVi-12UmTYI/AAAAAAAAD0k/gQVpxloELPU/s400/Bookplate%2BInk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: ; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BookplateInk">Bookplate Ink</a> is my go-to source for bookplates, especially my beloved gnome plates. I can't recommend both their products and their service highly enough! </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b8frxWaa77I/VVjAJsqd_6I/AAAAAAAAD0s/SX5Z3l_Ov4E/s1600/happy%2Bhound.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="52" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b8frxWaa77I/VVjAJsqd_6I/AAAAAAAAD0s/SX5Z3l_Ov4E/s400/happy%2Bhound.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HappyHound?ref=shop_sugg">Happy Hound</a>, of Charlotte, North Carolina, produces elegant, black and white, monogrammed stationary, featuring animals, in the manner of a coat-of-arms.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y6dz9DP0o_Y/VVoM0ZZemaI/AAAAAAAAD1c/6CyfVWptMyA/s1600/The%2BLovely%2BDesk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="52" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y6dz9DP0o_Y/VVoM0ZZemaI/AAAAAAAAD1c/6CyfVWptMyA/s400/The%2BLovely%2BDesk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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You might think that Target has the corner on stylish duct tape, but your ducts have not been properly taped until you've been to <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheLovelyDesk?ref=l2-shopheader-name">The Lovely Desk</a>. These delectable office supplies will have you performing even the most mundane of office chores with relish. The Lovely Desk ships from Manchester, United Kingdom.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D6qk55UlOhw/VVjBgqYfaOI/AAAAAAAAD00/HcAGHPPLn4A/s1600/locket%2Bfox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D6qk55UlOhw/VVjBgqYfaOI/AAAAAAAAD00/HcAGHPPLn4A/s320/locket%2Bfox.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Etsy shop-owners, from time-to-time, will close up shop while on vacation, or while filling orders. The <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Locketfox?ref=pr_faveshops">Locketfox</a> is away at present, but I would encourage you to check back with her shop again soon. She makes the loveliest of lockets.</div>
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I hope you'll take the time to visit some of my favorite shops in the global neighborhood, and I hope you'll tell me about some of yours! Also, what do you think about my hypothesis, that shopping small scale designers, globally, is roughly on an ethical par with shopping locally? </div>
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un stéministe (she/her)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02137434207410113164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762250770406960423.post-79666121897856647672015-05-18T11:00:00.000-05:002015-05-18T11:00:04.467-05:00My Library: New Additions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QmF3eAzTpk4/VVigCzuSqDI/AAAAAAAADyU/juiEt6628fw/s1600/Dancing%2Bby%2BStarlight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QmF3eAzTpk4/VVigCzuSqDI/AAAAAAAADyU/juiEt6628fw/s400/Dancing%2Bby%2BStarlight.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I'm working this summer, and saving money for school, but I'm also allowing for a small trickling in of books. When I'm feeling very thrifty, I use a stamp in lieu of a bookplate... a tree, or an owl, or a Japanese wave pattern with the words "This book belongs to [my name]." But lately I've allowed a few new bookplates to trickle in as well. I'm a fan of animals, especially of mammals. And as someone who has studied the cost per unit of bookplates from a variety of sources, these wild animal illustration plates from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/225821628/forest-friends-bookplate-book-of-labels?ref=shop_home_active_5">The Lovely Desk</a>, on Etsy, are well-priced. But by far my favorite bookplate ever is the one above, of a solitary girl, dancing by starlight. The illustrator is Dorothy Lathrop.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Gy5pmiVrr4/VVio745nkEI/AAAAAAAADyo/1nKlISlHVIw/s1600/Stay%2BWild%2Bat%2BHeart%2BPlanner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Gy5pmiVrr4/VVio745nkEI/AAAAAAAADyo/1nKlISlHVIw/s320/Stay%2BWild%2Bat%2BHeart%2BPlanner.JPG" width="233" /></a>My use of the Amazon Wish List, watching used book prices, might be something akin to an investor watching stock prices. There are better and worse times to buy books. And I used to work for an online bookseller, so I can often read between the lines regarding a book's condition. For instance, I don't buy anything in less than "Very Good" condition, unless the seller lists the condition as "Good" and explicitly states that the pages are clean. Also "Ex Library" is pretty good indicator of clean pages.<br />
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My Amazon Wish List contains about 1800 books, subdivided into approximately 40 sub-wish lists, either by subject or by price. Some of the subjects are Biography, Literature, Medicine, Philosophy, and Public Policy, all with subdivisions, and then I have, for instance, a $0.01 price list. It's labor intensive, but since I don't have a large library budget, and since I enjoy watching the prices, I manually shift books around as the prices change, and then, as I'm gearing up to buy, I'll make a narrow down list, and look for opportunities to get the used titles I'm looking for from the same seller. Amazon has an "Add to Wish List" button you can add to your browser's bookmarks bar, and use it to add items from any website on the internet. It's a great way to keep track of gift ideas!<br />
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I am a Barnes and Noble member. I am not sure that this was a prudent move for me. They don't seem to have a wish list feature, although they did just send me coupons. I was able to get a good deal on my <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/2016-wild-at-heart-take-me-with-you-planner-katie-daisy/1121206340?ean=9781622267248">Katie Daisy 2016 "Stay Wild At Heart" Planner</a>, plus free shipping, as I am a member. I bought her "Live Simply" Planner last year and loved it! Not only are the calendar pages beautiful, but interspersed throughout is her artwork, with encouraging messages like "You Are So Loved" - a nice thing to turn the page and see after filling the previous page with stressful assignments. A planner that <i>de</i>stresses you?! That's the kind of planner you want! Here is a link to Katie Daisy's Etsy shop: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thewheatfield?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=katie%20daisy&ref=sr_gallery_1">The Wheatfield</a><br />
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So far library building has proven a fun, and relatively inexpensive, hobby. It gives me something to look forward to in the mail. I have plenty of great books to read! It serves as a sort of hope chest for moving in about a year. I'm looking forward to giving my library a new home! <br />
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In the interest of further justifying my book purchases, and improving what may be my weakest area on the verbal portion of the GRE, reading comprehension, I'm going to start reviewing the blog-relevant elements of my library. Stay tuned! I like making introductions. Perhaps you'll meet a book here that you like!un stéministe (she/her)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02137434207410113164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762250770406960423.post-53767614717055990692015-03-23T18:52:00.000-05:002016-07-17T18:59:59.310-05:00A Screensaver of My Favorite ThingsApologies to Mac users, but this is PC-specific. Perhaps there's something comparable for Mac users. On a PC, you can customize your own screensaver by creating a slide show of some favorite photos. <br />
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HOW TO FIND IMAGES OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS:<br />
1. Go to Google and type "whiskers on kittens" or some other favorite thing in the search bar.<br />
2. Then click on "Images" under the search bar. <br />
3. Double click on an image you like. <br />
4. Then "right click" on the image and select "save image as." It should save to your "Windows Live Photo Gallery." <br />
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HOW TO SELECT PHOTOS AND IMAGES FOR YOUR SCREENSAVER:<br />
1. Go to "Windows Live Photo Gallery."<br />
2. Double click on a photo you want to be part of your slide show, and give it a one star rating in the lower right corner, under "Information." You should be able to forward arrow then, at the bottom of the screen, through photos, just starring those you want to be part of your screensaver.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">HOW TO CHANGE YOUR SCREENSAVER SETTINGS:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Go to the "Start" menu. Select or type in "Control Panel."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Select "Appearance and Personalization."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Under the "Personalization" heading, select "Change screensaver"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">6. Set the pull down menu to "Windows Live Photo Gallery."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">7. Below that, decide how long you want your computer to wait before initiating your screensaver. I have mine set to 3 minutes, because I enjoy seeing my favorite things sooner rather than later.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">8. Check the box if you want to re-enter your password every time your screensaver comes on. </span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 14.6545px;">9. Next, click "settings," and set the pull-down menu to one star.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">10. I have my other settings set to "Classic" and "Medium" speed, but you can play with this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">11. You can click "Preview" next to "Settings" to take your new screensaver out for a test drive.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">12. You may need to restart your computer via the "Start" menu for the new settings to take effect.</span><br />
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If you spend a lot of time at your computer, this can be a great way to remind yourself of goals, to remind yourself to smile, to remind yourself of what's important to you. <br />
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These are a few favorite things that make me smile:<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nkWeUFLkTyE/VRCdMQrvQeI/AAAAAAAADwE/Y7ufwVSR7zo/s1600/wetpolarbear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nkWeUFLkTyE/VRCdMQrvQeI/AAAAAAAADwE/Y7ufwVSR7zo/s1600/wetpolarbear.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cute mammals!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JMJW7jQ98qA/VRCdac8xo1I/AAAAAAAADwM/NKCuZuSbyfo/s1600/peonies2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JMJW7jQ98qA/VRCdac8xo1I/AAAAAAAADwM/NKCuZuSbyfo/s1600/peonies2.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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Pretty flowers!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Q1nY28PCAo/VRCd3DJyuAI/AAAAAAAADwk/ibddOFNufDk/s1600/blackbowshoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Q1nY28PCAo/VRCd3DJyuAI/AAAAAAAADwk/ibddOFNufDk/s1600/blackbowshoes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Fabulous shoes!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9azPxW4fxRw/VRCeBQik_FI/AAAAAAAADws/AB9TndMdQak/s1600/yurt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9azPxW4fxRw/VRCeBQik_FI/AAAAAAAADws/AB9TndMdQak/s1600/yurt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Places to travel!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kkrfm18SVJI/VRCeKZm_u2I/AAAAAAAADw0/W_Qz06J8bDk/s1600/GardenParty3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kkrfm18SVJI/VRCeKZm_u2I/AAAAAAAADw0/W_Qz06J8bDk/s1600/GardenParty3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Parties in the woods!</div>
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Treat yourself to a screensaver of your favorite things!</span>un stéministe (she/her)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02137434207410113164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762250770406960423.post-64751807675604368242015-02-05T00:17:00.000-06:002015-02-05T00:17:18.724-06:00Best Nest You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DhCPxtPOuS0/VNMB-M8WFlI/AAAAAAAADt4/bAKJywKjh6I/s1600/ACM.BestNestYou.Desk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DhCPxtPOuS0/VNMB-M8WFlI/AAAAAAAADt4/bAKJywKjh6I/s1600/ACM.BestNestYou.Desk.JPG" height="235" width="400" /></a></div>
I can't think of a better way to maximize the value of a space than to fill it with books. Knowledge is the first step on every road worth traveling (says the erstwhile epistemology student). And though e-readers seem like an excellent development, power can fail, and they still haven't managed to back up every obscure volume, so I think investing in bound books is still worth your while. I say this also as a heavy annotator. Annotation is my way of responding, often over miles, and through centuries, to an author, which makes the enterprise of reading more than a mere academic pursuit, but a social one as well. Books are like geocaches of theses, waiting to be unearthed and tested. So dig in!<br />
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They also create a welcome, colorful aesthetic. And each one is indexed to memories, whether to the provenance of an individual volume, or resonating with associations to authors, subjects, and ideological movements. <br />
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My book space is lit by lantern planets and string light stars. I work best with a single, desktop spot lamp, focused on my work, in a dark room. Before bed, I read by the light of a single string of star lights. I even have a Moon In My Room, thanks to my brother, Peter. <br />
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Welcome to my space. As I've just cleaned, I'll give you a little tour. Above is my work desk. Yes, I do have two green laptops. You can never have too many green laptops. The green, wing-backed chair belonged to my great grandmother. My mother, and now I, have taken to calling it the "over the river and through the woods" chair, owing to its brocade pattern, and its grandmotherly provenance. In that corner are adult and children's literature, poetry, plays, and philosophy.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R8aCM5vCC28/VNMCKnuchzI/AAAAAAAADuQ/hay4DuFJKPA/s1600/ACM.BestNestYou.HuntandHearthBookshelf.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R8aCM5vCC28/VNMCKnuchzI/AAAAAAAADuQ/hay4DuFJKPA/s1600/ACM.BestNestYou.HuntandHearthBookshelf.JPG" height="400" width="281" /></a></div>
This bookshelf is dedicated to the blog, containing volumes on applied ethics, all matters domestic, and the fledgling philosophy of home. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtvMmysZgmM/VNLwe1Yy0wI/AAAAAAAADtg/Z116kEnvskc/s1600/ACM.BestNestYou.Nest.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtvMmysZgmM/VNLwe1Yy0wI/AAAAAAAADtg/Z116kEnvskc/s1600/ACM.BestNestYou.Nest.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
The Hunt and Hearth bookshelf is next to my nest, which is surrounded by string lights and bed curtains. I think everyone should circumscribe their sleeping space with bed curtains. You really know you're in your sleeping space with gauzy bed curtains. On my bed I have a blanket from each of my grandmothers, a blanket from my mother, one from my best friend, a husband pillow, and a boyfriend pillow, so I am well-tucked in. Above my head is a mixed media piece by my youngest sister, Abigail, inscribed with the words, "Shimmer give you joy." That piece stays above my bed wherever I live and indeed gives me joy.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d-wlkrTPq4s/VNMCSo-OU1I/AAAAAAAADug/J9xLGRCUaaI/s1600/ACM.BestNestYou.PeterPicture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d-wlkrTPq4s/VNMCSo-OU1I/AAAAAAAADug/J9xLGRCUaaI/s1600/ACM.BestNestYou.PeterPicture.JPG" height="400" width="221" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tXPFaeqxR7c/VNLw7NEHvII/AAAAAAAADto/ANweCYCW8c0/s1600/ACM.BestNestYou.BerenstainBearBoxes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tXPFaeqxR7c/VNLw7NEHvII/AAAAAAAADto/ANweCYCW8c0/s1600/ACM.BestNestYou.BerenstainBearBoxes.JPG" height="318" width="320" /></a></div>
Next to the bed is my history and public policy bookshelf, which also contains my Berenstain Bears boxes. Ever since I read <i>The Berenstain Bears and the Messy Room</i>, I've wanted to have boxes with labels on them just like theirs. They're a little worse for wear, but now I have Berenstain Bears boxes. Above the history shelf is a pen and ink drawing by my brother, and my bag of tools, because sometimes I fix things with tools and install things like bed curtains. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_DqFVW2ttHw/VNMCHDeLzPI/AAAAAAAADuI/TXV7P8iKXz0/s1600/ACM.BestNestYou.HappyThoughtIndeed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_DqFVW2ttHw/VNMCHDeLzPI/AAAAAAAADuI/TXV7P8iKXz0/s1600/ACM.BestNestYou.HappyThoughtIndeed.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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Next to the history and public policy bookshelf is the closet. To get more use out of this space, I took the doors off the closet, with tools, and shoved most of my clothes, except for the prettiest dresses, into green bins, and then fit two short bookcases into the closet to hold biographies. In my opinion, biographies may be more entertaining than novels. I learn a lot from real lives, especially the lives of women and political figures. I hope to post reviews of some of my favorite biographies in the future.<br />
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A shoe rack rests on top of the biography bookshelves. I enjoy being able to see my shoes. They put me in mind of future parties and dances, and remind me that sometimes homework is better when done in heels.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ap_0xSKpJwY/VNMCPVLK0zI/AAAAAAAADuY/SpgwbcwYKlI/s1600/ACM.BestNestYou.Jewelry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ap_0xSKpJwY/VNMCPVLK0zI/AAAAAAAADuY/SpgwbcwYKlI/s1600/ACM.BestNestYou.Jewelry.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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I also found that pounding small nails into the closet wall, again with tools, is an excellent way to store long necklaces and statement pieces, to avoid tangling. I haven't seen the jewelry armoire yet which can rival this method of storing larger pieces.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FaDX0IvROkw/VNMCWAnJd-I/AAAAAAAADuo/qc6PnsrFst4/s1600/ACM.BestNestYou.Secretary.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FaDX0IvROkw/VNMCWAnJd-I/AAAAAAAADuo/qc6PnsrFst4/s1600/ACM.BestNestYou.Secretary.JPG" height="386" width="400" /></a></div>
On the other side of the closet is my secretary, a desk devoted entirely to keeping me organized. I make my own calendar pages, and display three at a time, which allows me to see an entire semester at once--to remind me of break, if I'm mid-semester; or to remind me of impending responsibilities, if I'm mid-break. A longer view of the of the year is both better for planning and better for hoping. This wall serves as a giant bulletin board too, with lists of things-to-do and papers-not-to-be-lost. The mugs are gifts from dear ones which have gone the way of all gifted coffee mugs--long since dropped and shattered and glued back together and gamely holding colored pencils and markers and pens. <br />
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And finally, two more bookshelves. Nearest the door are my school books and science books, and then a smaller shelf for reference books and foreign language books. My grandfather made the heart shelf, which helps me get out the door, appropriately accessorized. The painting on the left is by my best friend. She made it in high school before we knew one another, yet its depiction of a blonde girl practicing the violin astutely represents my childhood. My sister Ruth painted the castle in elementary school and I've been fond of it ever since. I imagine walking up that lawn, after a long day, to its turrety keep.<br />
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Photojournalist Roderick Field is credited with saying "[h]ome is the canvas on which you are free to paint your wildest and most beautiful dreams." This is my one-room version. In a slightly larger version, I would add a microscope and other noninfectious laboratory paraphernalia, a quiet place to write music, room to grow and serve food (for more on urban agriculture, see my friend Lindsey's blog, <a href="http://mrspeeksday.blogspot.com/">Necessity Is the Mother...</a>, and Dickson Despommier and Vincent Racaniello's <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/urban-agriculture/id856478327?mt=2">Urban Agriculture</a> podcast), room to dance, have parties, and perhaps nest guests. Stay tuned for future incarnations of my home "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Elvl3fHiEcY">canvas</a>."<br />
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This is a space where, surrounded by favorite books, artwork, and gifts, I remember to love and that I am loved. And recharging in love, this is a space I can venture forth from, a more engaged, productive, and loving member of society. Build the nest, the home around you, that makes the best you!<br />
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<br />un stéministe (she/her)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02137434207410113164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762250770406960423.post-18795878756781442722015-01-11T13:28:00.000-06:002015-02-04T15:10:03.747-06:00A Nest For Hope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UjMRy2gSSK8/VJJpEx5WxPI/AAAAAAAADog/2jibp8Ze7Ck/s1600/HH.HopeIsTheThingWithFeathers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UjMRy2gSSK8/VJJpEx5WxPI/AAAAAAAADog/2jibp8Ze7Ck/s1600/HH.HopeIsTheThingWithFeathers.jpg" /></a>"Hope is the thing with feathers<br />
That perches in the soul,<br />
And sings the tune without the words,<br />
And never stops at all,<br />
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And sweetest in the gale is heard;<br />
And sore must be the storm<br />
That could abash the little bird<br />
That kept so many warm.<br />
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I've heard it in the chillest land,<br />
And on the strangest sea;<br />
Yet, never, in extremity,<br />
It asked a crumb of me."<br />
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- Emily Dickinson<br />
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I had a glimmer of hope today, after a long time in the darkness--"many sink down, but few return, to the sunlit lands above." (The Underearthmen, <i>The Silver Chair</i>, C.S. Lewis) It can be difficult to remember hope in such moments, to know if that little bird still roosts, to admire its pluck amid the tempests, to wonder, even sometimes, if it is not foolhardy to persist in singing for a sunrise which may never come. If the sunrise were not coming, would it not be silly to persist in singing our song? But how can we know that it is not coming? How can we ever know that dawn is not just ahead? We can't. There is only to sing. To sing and to hope. <br />
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2014 was a year of great tribulation for many of my friends and family--the loss of a dear aunt, family members who are fighting illness, friends who have lost and lost and lost until it didn't seem like they could lose anymore, tragedies at home and abroad, and yet we are still here. And hope still sings in us.<br />
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Keep a weather eye out for the sunrise. Cuddle into your nest when you need to. May your flights of hope be unbounded. Sing for yourself. Sing for anyone who can hear you. And I am always on the lookout for correspondents! Send songs, and I'll try to do a better job of singing to you in 2015! -- The Huntress and Hearth Mistress<br />
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<br />un stéministe (she/her)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02137434207410113164noreply@blogger.com0