Gaytha's Blog

Music to love life by...

2012-01-20T22:25:00.001-08:00

Staring at the sun

More work on the house

2012-01-12T13:12:00.001-08:00

Last week we started painting the trim on the house.

A 3' deep trench has been dug along the South side of our house to divert rain water away from our foundation.

(beginning the project)

The puppy has also helped dig!!!

Hit the deck!

2011-10-02T15:24:00.001-07:00

We pressure washed the deck, removed the old gross wood on the deck, sanded it, and I meticulously oiled the wood with Brazilian rose wood oil. It's gorgeous. I love the smell. The neighbors took our cues and they're doing their deck now, too!
Below are photos of late-night work.

You can see the pretty happy wood now!

More work!

2011-09-08T19:17:00.001-07:00

Dryrot removal. We ended up having to remove the entire windowsill. We replaced it, primer and painted it. Same went for the bedroom window and the diningroom window.
Before:

After:

We're waiting for a new sash to be built to replace the rotted one. I've already prime and painted all of the parts in anticipation of it's arrival.
I've also began to scrape all the old paint off the sills and prime & painted those as well.

Oh Mary!

2011-07-24T20:34:00.001-07:00

On the super cool lady, Kristen.

Shaded hands, face and veil.

Location:12th St,Oakland,United States

Virgin Mary

2011-07-11T09:16:00.001-07:00

Part one.

Still need to finish shading the face and the veil.

Location:Sacred Tattoo, Oakland, CA

Break through

2011-07-04T13:02:00.001-07:00

Okay, so, I managed to remove the dryrotten window sill. As I said, Nothing pretty, and I'll have some patch repairing to do inside.

The main reason this window was so problematic is that it's a fixed window. Not meant to open or close. So I had to chip out the sill from under the window. After I lost my patience after TWO HOURS I forced it out. Then pulled the remainder out from the inside.
It obviously was changed out years later, as there are still weights left behind from the old window.

Nature.

2011-07-01T08:30:00.001-07:00

A tree I found on my dog walk yesterday.

Dryrot repair and vacation

2011-06-27T07:46:00.001-07:00

Being a homeowner sounds so wierd for me. The many years of my life rolling by, living paycheck to paycheck, and thinking to myself, wow, owning a home would never happen to me.
Well, since the hubby and I pulled it together- we're so excited to work on the little projects that make it our own.
To add to the gumption of wood working and dryrot repair, I finally hooked up the stereo.
I must say, when you're trying to extract your first ever wood windowsill to replace it- it's easy to get a little scared and anxiety ridden. Any expert you ask usually they'll say- "just take a saw and a chisel and cut the bugger out of there." well, there is NOTHING eloquent or nice and neat about ANY demolition work. You just gotta put on your protective gear and take the sawzall and sledgehammer and have a day at it.
The past four weeks of my day job(s) have been very busy, long days, and working 12-14 hour days. This week is the first week taking a few actual full days off.
Those days are allocated for windowsills.
The permit is ready for the stairs repair, so we're just waiting on our contractor to come do the work.
I'm excited to get the work done so we can take a vacation. We're thinking about going North in an RV to see more coastline and visit friends and family.

The window sills on my list.

Did I mention how in love we are with our home? We're so stoked!

Ah, cement!!!

2011-05-12T10:32:00.000-07:00

This morning the cement truck was here.

I can't wait to draw in the finished cement out in front!

The soil under the house was really soft. The old foundation that was there was improperly capped, and during demo- it fell away with a slight tap of a crowbar.

Progress

2011-05-11T12:44:00.000-07:00

Almost done! After the permit inspector gave us the green light for the concrete to get poured, I finished up setting the replacement tile in the shower.

I'm aware the tile doesn't match completely, but it was the fifth place I stopped at looking for a replacement tile.

It's actually the exact tile that is on the floor, so, it matches enough for me. :)
I also finished caulking the bathroom shower, sink, and some trim.

Last night I repaired the chip in the kitchen sink with an epoxy repair kit.
Jeremy has been kicking ass. He grated along the side if the house after removing the wood,

began fixing the shelf under the sink, and today he's fixing the wood trim around the garage door.

Our pumber came in, replaced the wax seal on the upstairs toilet, and shimmed it; solving the water problem.

Downstairs, he replaced the toilet after learning that the leak wasn't caused from the wax ring; but from the toilet actually being cracked! He GAVE us a dual flush toilet! Yes! It was a sample he didn't need. Rad! Woohoo!

Mother may I?

2011-05-09T19:03:00.001-07:00

Today I went back to the Permit Center in the City if Oakland. I spent five-hundred some-odd-dollars on a permit that encompasses all water damage and dry rot repairs inside and outside the house. Another permit for the electical to install a $5 switch in our breaker panel (which the permit cost over a hundred and fifty dollars for.) Lastly, the plumbing repairs permit for leaks and toilets.
I wasn't happy with the whole transaction because the lady behind the desk did NOT read my fix-it list thouroughly enough, then, after I paid at the window, I returned to pick up my sign-off permit card- to discover the woman took off to get coffee!!!!! So, after she realized she'd forgotten about me, she had to print my card twice. By now I knew I was over my meter time and was going to get a parking ticket...and when I ran up to my car, the meter maid was just about to start my ticket. I said, "Hi, sorry. The lady at the permit center forgot me and went on her coffee break- that's why I'm late." I showed her my reciept, and she was nice enough to not give me a $55 parking ticket after I'd just spent so much for permits. Let the love shine on her! :)

After over-doing it and forcing myself to take a week off from grout raking and removal duty, I went back at it after two chiropactic visits, one acupuncture visit, and two highly productive deep tissue massages. Today I've begun isolating the broken tile in the shower for removal. Our HUD inspector is due for a visit Friday to help with our Draw Request.
Now I need to schedule a plumbing permit inspection. Argh!

Shoring digging and twiddling our thumbs

2011-05-06T07:52:00.001-07:00

While we wait for the city to inspect the rebar for the foundation and piers, they've been jacking up the house so it's back to it's original state.

These were taken before they began digging to put the rebar into place for the concrete pour.
They're also digging for the piers down the center of the house all the way back.
We've been trying to research why the foundation was so screwed. Our number one answer was water. Back in the 1930's people didn't make French drains around their newly built homes. Most oridinary people don't understand how or why water gets so intrusive under their house; making it musty above ground, and wet in the crawlspace. In addition, most people never bother to look under their house on a regular basis. Regardless, the steps we make to avoid future water intrusion, will improve and extend the life of the rest of the house.

Crooked girl in a crooked house

2011-05-03T07:58:00.001-07:00

I injured my shoulder from overdoing it painting, grouting, and sleeping on it wrong. So, yesterday I visited our Chiropractor. He said I'm all twisted up and crooked. So, I'll be doing additional things to remain relaxed during the crucial period of our foundation getting redone.
Below, is the work that was finished up yesterday.

As you can see, the floor will need to be fixed or replaced.

The view from outside...

Today, they're scheduled to remove the old foundadtion. I'll be running errands, and leaving my dog at a friend's house.

Our house before us.

2011-04-27T07:51:00.001-07:00

I went to locate any permits that may have been issued in the past ten years for our house's past repairs and renovations. I'm waiting to hear back from the city.

Thanks to technology, I can keep a photographic record of the work we're doing to the house.

Looking down the hill of the North side of the house, you can see someone put in railroad toes to keep erosion down. Now they're rotted out termite-y tripping hazards. We're to remove them, and properly bank the earth do water will roll away from the house.

Above right is where we found a large nest of ground bees. We made them move out. I haven't seen them in about a week.

The elephant tubing will be buried once we get to making proper drainage around the house.

Looking uphill on the south side of the house were to do the same. In addition to replacing rotted wood under the deck. With some sweat and digging, we're going to make a French drain along this side if the house.

Finally, this week I will be regrouting the shower/tub surround as well as refreshing the grout on the floor tiles.

Being strong and handy has it's benefits.

More Caulk!

2011-04-24T16:23:00.001-07:00

Before: gross!!!

Nasty!

I cut old caulk..(snickers)

New shiny caulk...

My husband made a joke, "you sure can handle caulk!"

Home improvement is one awesome joke after another.

-Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Work, play & REST

2011-04-23T22:01:00.001-07:00

After a long day of serious play and work; my doggie and my husband lounge and snuggle on the couch... In our home. Life is grand!

Caulked sink

2011-04-23T21:20:00.001-07:00

Before

Nasty! Right?

Yuck!
...
After:

Shiny!

Pretty!

Next:
Regrouting the bath/shower surround & caulking the gross corners.

Our renovation

2011-04-20T11:34:00.001-07:00

We've been in our newly purchased home a week and two days. Today we went to downtown and picked up construction permits for the repairs for the house. Which was totally smooth and easy to do, BTW.
Lastnight I began painting the bedroom. I hate dusty rose pink. So I decided to do what I've always wanted; a painted black bedroom.

Before

After first coat of black.
I'm in love.

El Luchadore

2011-03-24T12:00:00.001-07:00

$50 acrylic on canvas 36" x 36"
Contact me if you're interested.

Windows & Doors

2011-03-17T21:14:00.001-07:00

My lovely walk

2011-03-13T21:24:00.001-07:00

Darkness

2010-11-04T19:15:00.001-07:00

Before we fall back on our clocks, fastly approches some of my favorite evenings filled with a glowing nearly blood red to purple sunset and orange and yellow leaves to crunch on the ground as you walk. Occasionally spotting the goth kid laying on a grave, smirking while smoking a clove cigarette.

I'm happiest here.

More of my favorite place

2010-08-28T15:13:00.001-07:00

Its how I feel.

2010-08-28T10:17:00.001-07:00

Pictures.

2010-07-24T16:15:00.000-07:00

Because I Can...

2010-06-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

The weather is awesome and the full moon has given me devil horns. So I want to be sassy and get a bit of the punk rock out. Bouncing around in my boots, happily I'm laughing, dancing, and being me. So, just fuck off...

GLAMA-RAMA

2010-06-06T11:04:00.000-07:00

My favorite hair salon tucked away in the Mission in SF, houses the top hairdressers I've come across. My great friend Jen has been the mastermind behind the colors of my hair for years now. Recently, the salon moved locations to the new and improved, 304 Valencia street, SF. Their grande re-opening is tonight, I'm hoping to be there. I'm looking forward to getting my hair recolored once again. I'm not sure what color yet. Maybe I'll go with ocean colors this time, since last summer I was flourescent hot pink and blood red.

Call them at 415-861-4526 and make an appointment. It will make your boring hair fabulous.

Learning & Mindfulness

2010-06-01T07:46:00.001-07:00

The past few months have been rocky and difficult to traverse for me. Beginning with illness that was getting worse, to having to deal with anger, depression, acceptance, and forgiveness. All these, very valid, and very true; also very huge mountains for me to conquer. But these life challenges have come to me as a blessing in disguise; an incredibly ugly, painful and vile package it came in. Yet once stripped away the confusion, the anger, the sadness, the victimization and the wishes for justice; it all merely was a catalyst for my inner well being; my relationship suddenly came to that awakening it needed so desperately, my quickly dissolving health began to turn around almost immediately, and now I'm beginning to leach the poison out of my life that has bound me to negativity for weeks.
In my quest for quieting my mind and hushing the anger, hurt, and resentments; I've found some peace. Little by little, each day, I take with honesty and attempt to do so with a quiet calm. I'm learning what forgiveness is, and reaffirming my compassion and understanding.

In my younger days, I would have dealt with my problems with indifference, revenge, negativity and self destruction, even running away from them was often the answer for me. Although I still do escape a lot through music, it's been my constant throughout my life; even at 8 years old and thinking Foreigner and Don Henley were the shit. I found that besides my daily shower being my "me escape" time I've discovered meditation. Introduced to me by a dear close friend; she found a meditation group that didn't scare you away with the horrid touchy feely garbage that marks most Buddhists to be associated with hippies. It's meditation while keeping it real. Lol. Quiet time.
So, daily, I remind myself to accept, move on, forgive, love, embrace, laugh, and create. I hope you can, too. It's lovely.

Doggie dates

2010-05-26T19:59:00.001-07:00

Fastly, were approaching our one year adoption anniversary for our wonderful doggie, Squeeks. She's a recognized by the American Kennel Club as a Canine Good Citizen. Where Jeremy and I put countless hours into training her to be such a good dog at her Bad Rap Pit Ed classes.

My dear hubby and doghter, Squeeks. Yet another joyus moment captured in our baby's life.

Thank you momma, for the great play date!

A toddler sharing her milk...

My Champion

2010-05-17T09:28:00.001-07:00

Jeremy is now a brown belt under Edwardo Rocha in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Upon recieving his gold medal at his last competition in Los Gatos, he was also awarded his brown belt. This is Jeremy and Eduardo together.
Years ago I learned some sign language for a job I was working, Jeremy and I found some signs we liked. The sign he's throwing in this photo is for the letter G. It's his way of showing he appreciates my support and love throughout his training.

Our plans for the future are grande. The world is ours.

In Stitches

2010-05-09T18:14:00.001-07:00

I had a wild idea to stitch up a giant owl pillow. I bought some cool green wool felt, cut up the parts, stitched away...

I cannibalized an old pillow and used the stuffing. I like this little owl fellow; and am not sure if I want to give him away as a gift.
So cute.

Murder can be fun

2010-05-07T12:32:00.001-07:00

My husband and I share so much in common; we both know the title to this blog entry refers to a fanzine published in the '90s called Murder Can Be Fun. Upon exiting the Great American Music Hall in SF last night he found a button from that very fanzine. Funny since when it was published most back in the 90's I would read it in Reno, NV and Jeremy would be doing the same in Berkeley, CA. He told me he had a Murder Can Be Fun datebook that a cop hassled him about having.
Lastnight was one of the funnest nights we've had out in a long time. Jeremy found out the Murder City Devils were booked to play two shows in SF. Seeing how we're friends with the band (through Jeremy's connections) it was prudent we go and say hello them as well as watch them play live, some of our favorite all time songs. Gabe, the tour manager, gave us backstage passes. It was sweet to be shuffled around like a queen and such.
We talked about puppies, jiu jitsu, music, Seattle, Los Angeles, and laughed a lot. It was awesome to talk with Gabe, Dann, Spencer, Derek, Nate, & Leslie. We even ran into several friends from Oakland. I wish I'd taken more photos lastnight; but often being backstage; I don't like being in people's faces with the camera.

After Jeremy laughed with Gabe about when going into a match, he shakes his opponent's hand and says, "Lets have some fun" while pointing out the backstage passes "fun times" I told Gabe about my summer camp called Super Happy Fun Playtime. He liked it apparently. :)

Although, Spencer sings this song for his love, Coco, I must say, these days it really hits home for me on so many levels, it's called "Dear Hearts"

.…
Dear Hearts
I had a rough start
Don't let it fall apart
Until the fire start
We'll rip it all apart
Gonna show, show some strong heart
I had a slow start
But I'm ready for the good part
Rejoice
We made the right choice
If there's something wrong you know they'll find it
Well, I say
I say let'em have it
I got a preachers mouth and
A rock n' roll heart
A rock n' roll heart
Well somewhere between the round and the square
There's a spiral
Take ya to the top
Right to the top
And once we started
You know damn well
You know we can't be stopped
Dear hearts
We had a rough start
You know its the slow music of the spirit
It makes ya wanna touch
You know its much too much
You know its much too much, oh
And it's the spirit
That makes ya wanna touch, oh
Rejoice
We made the right choice
If there's something wrong you know they'll find it
Well I say let'em have it,
Let 'em have it, oh
…
I will update this entry of the Slim's show with photos taken by a friend, and more on backstage mayhem.

"Sana sana culito de rana, si no sanas hoy sanaras manana..."

2010-05-05T11:59:00.000-07:00

Travel, liesure & bloodsport

2010-04-14T05:52:00.001-07:00

This weekend is the second one this month where my husband and I go for a road trip. We're having a lovely time in Lake Tahoe, and bringing my mom to visit her friends, family, and do some business. A pit stop in Reno will happen, and a workday for me tomorrow at a tattoo shop in Carson. I've got a full day of work ahead of me tomorrow.
Jeremy found us a sweet hotel that allows pups. We'll have a great time, and have a good visit with friends.
My husband's brown belt is getting closer within grasp, and I'm so proud of him. I've supported every effort he's made in the past SIX years in his jiu jitsu career. His team mates are always so surprised by how supportive I've been. Most ladies eventually sour of the jiu jitsu stealing their hubby's spare time. I made him two shadow boxes to house his most noteworthy medals. I'll begin on a third after next month.

One of my many hipstamatic pics of my dear tired hubby after class and a glass of vino. I remember the days when I took BJJ and would be so pooped after a long sparring session. Although I really enjoy boxing much more than jiu jitsu. Punching people is much more satisfying to me than wrestling.

I took this photo of my man's hands after he did a kettle bell training session with his instructor. It's one of the sexiest photos I have of him.
Time to kick ass.

for the love of...my love.

2010-04-05T22:14:00.000-07:00

Oh, have you seen Lydia?

2010-02-26T10:45:00.001-08:00

My new blog for Tattoos only.. follow it... you'll have some fun!

Come see the new blog!
Originally uploaded by GAYTHA

Oh, Lydia the Tattooed Lady...

You can see it here:
http://lydia-the-tattooed-lady.blogspot.com/

The Hipstamatic

2010-02-19T07:59:00.001-08:00

I admit I'm an iPhone app junkie. If it looks fun to use, doesn't cost an arm and a leg, and helps feed my creative streak, I most likely have it. Last summer when my home pc died, in an effort to keep up I'm my email, and still be able to do things I love like photography, art, and Photoshop. Then I found the Hipstamatic. Like those great toy cameras like the Holga, this app processes you iPhone photos to look like those moody pics from our teenyears and childhood. The app also links you to a store to purchase gels for the "flash" and an array of other lenses. Digital never lokoked so analog.
I took this photo on a dog walk in the Mountain View Cemetery.

Busy happy New Year!

2010-01-03T09:07:00.000-08:00

The past few months have been so busy, an update is now in order. We're so overjoyed by our pet Squeeks, she's like a happy alarm clock in the morning, and a character to play with in the evening. I ran across this article on the Badrap blog, and thought it should be shared with more people.

In the tattooing department; when it rains, it pours. That said, I've given and gotten some sweet ink lately. Here is one I really got a kick out of.

Over the summer my computer died, and it wasn't user friendly enought for me to type out blog posts on my iphone, so I just let them slide. Now I have a 1TB hard drive, and bare-bones software. My music is still patchy, and I'm still trying to get my itunes to work properly. Silence has been the popular tune lately.

The velvet painting remained on hold since summertime, and I plan to resume them this week. The portraits I dabble in here and there- I just need to build the confidence that I won't be butchering the beautiful faces of these amazing drag queens.
I finished the doggie area of the back yard, and will hopefully post some before and after photos. I'm also working on getting rid of things that I don't use, or have no use to me. This included editing my etsy shop down to small vintage items and just art. I looked at my books for last years etsy sales, and ended up learning I lost $100 to it. As much work as I put into the vintage aspect of my shop, I decided to quit the vintage sales and focus on my art. I did sell a tiki painting on etsy that i was going to have in my art show, it was the "Cheeseburger" painting. I think I may just go for it and paint another.
My lovely and amazing painting of Peaches Christ was "lost" by the Oakland Art Museum and the East Bay Express people along with a large tiki painting, and the watercolor of the medusa tattoo I did on my friend Brenda. Needless to say, I still need to get them to pay up; but it may be to my advantage- advertising. I know some people, so I will pull some strings. The loss of thta epic painting still has me really bitter, and it stilted my momentum on the painting. Since then I've got unfinished Metal Patricia and Heklina. I know once I'm done with those two, I can relax into doing a couple of large tikis and follow up on some cheeky paintings of monsters and maybe some criminal portraits. I haven't made a solid deadline for the show, so maybe I will work on that asap.

80%

2009-10-16T17:58:00.001-07:00

The infill on the fence took me six hours to install. My mom helped out a little here and there. I had to cut each individual board on the fence so it would be level across the top; because the ground was uneven.

Pictured above was the beging of the infill. The following photos are the finished product.

The old lady next door has been complaining about the change in our yard. It's funny- now she can't look at it!

Delays and moving onward

2009-10-15T20:18:00.000-07:00

Today I finished the frame of the fence. I took a little bit of extra time because it was raining and I was cutting the wood in the garage. So, that proved to be time consuming. I was relieved since it wasn't as cold as the previous days. I wish I had more carpentry skills before starting this project. I made a lot of silly mistakes yesterday, that could've been avoided if I'd more experience. By the time I was screwing in the last few rails, I had a pretty good system down.
The neighbor kid stopped by to talk tattoos. He's been visiting my mom here and there to say hello and smoke a cigarette. I'm grateful that he visits her and I asked her to tell him I'd give him a tattoo for free. I just feel like it's a nice way to show him my appreciation.
Tomorrow is supposed to have a lot less rain; and I'm gearing up to cut the posts and hang the infill on the fence. I'm going to end up having to trim off 7" from each board. That will be fun for a 12'x15 dog run. Then once all that is done- I'm planning on begining the gate. I'm hoping to finish the gate by Saturday.

Building a fence

2009-10-13T18:10:00.001-07:00

After quite a while I decided to come out to visit my mother in Minnesota. I've been working seven days a week all Summer long. So, naturally, once school started I had to begin planning some sort of vacation.
Plane tickets are super cheap- and my second cousins had been wanting me to bring out my equipment to tattoo them.
So the first day I was in for it & ended up tattooing for twelve hours straight. The next day was my second cousin's (Kella) 21st birthday. We celebrated it at my cousin Debbie's house in Zumbrota, Mn. My mom and I hauled the lumber she'd arranged to get from Kella's dad.
The next day was spent gathering supplies. It snowed. I can't say that I like the snow or the cold much unless i'm inside all snuggled up.
This morning was spent digging post holes then Debbie came by to help. Without her help, I don't think that we would have gotten all of the posts set in cement before sundown. That was awesome.

Help the dog win a contest!

2009-09-22T10:08:00.000-07:00

Yeah I know, I entered in a cute dog contest with my baby. I could win a free trip to Hawaii!!! Help a girl out!
I entered my dog Squeeks in a contest on my favorite radio station, 98.1 KISS FM. You can seriously help me by going to their website right now and voting for Squeeks. It only takes a second and it would put me that much closer to winning the grand prize of $10,000! You can find my dog here: Squeeks ... and please vote each day, each person is allowed to vote once per day.

Thank you for helping me and SQUEEKS out!

why haven't you updated? this is why....

2009-08-31T11:27:00.000-07:00

My computer died last month, so I bought an iphone to be able to keep up on the daily emails and other such garbage. The past moth I've been really burning the candle at both ends. Running a summer camp, running a household, and tattooing at the shop on the weekends. Yesterday was my first day off in a while- and most of it was spent drawing a giant dragon tattoo design. I've completely neglected my etsy shop for the entire summer but managed to still squeeze in some yard work and quality time with my dog.
In the meantime while I wait for my computer savvy friend to send me a list of the things I need to purchase to resurrect my dead computer- I've been downloading some really cool iphone apps that have kept me in the loop. I edited my reading list on blogger/google so the updates wouldn't take hours to read.

I might be moving on from one morning job to a new family (I nanny in the mornings for a couple of hours & bring kids to school) but recent tragic events have slowed the whole thing.
The doggie is doing awesome. She moved up to Tim's obedience class; and is begining to understand that we're the bosses. She's been so behaved! Such a cutie too!
Life is grand.

Please excuse the lull.

2009-08-16T09:00:00.001-07:00

Adoption photo by LINDA at BADRAP. Happy family!

My computer is currently suffering from a dead hard drive. I'm posting this from my husbands computer. Hopefully I can recover some of my info that was stored on there. I guess replacing the hard drive is better than throwing down another 700 bucks for a new computer.

Gratitude

2009-07-30T07:46:00.000-07:00

I have to say I'm grateful. My days are spent doing what I love, playing with my dog, and at night I get to sleep like a rock. (Awesome!) My friends are super cool and funny and sweet, my husband is da bomb, the dog gets to have full adoption status this weekend, and I have two days off in a row. RAD!
There's a song by The Queers "Everything's going my way" Yeah!
I have so many different things going on in my world, and they all pretty much make me happy. The money is coming in, the next step is the home. YES, the home.
I hoped the real estate bubble would burst in the East Bay just so we could afford a home. Is sorta did- and now- it's our turn.
I'm going to sing to myself this morning when I ride to work today. Yes!
Soon, I want to have a craft party, shrine-making.

More lists need to be made...

Time Flies

2009-07-16T16:49:00.000-07:00

The new addition in the family has pretty much put my art world on hold. I'm okay with it for now. I sold the "Cheeseburger" Tiki painting I had up on my blog earlier. So, I'll have to repaint it- but in a different fashion.
Tonight I'm attending the second class for Oakland First Time Home buyers Program. Not that we're trying to be unrealistic- we're not even sure if there's a bank willing to even loan us the 120,000 we want to spend on a home. We are aiming low, so we can make it our own and turn it into our home. Yeah aim low. Our neighborhood currently sells at 450,000 for a two bedroom, even in this economy.
I'm happily drinking my "cafe freddo extra bold" so I don't melt down at 8pm like I did lastnight. I'm looking to go on a dog walk tomorrow morning early in the cemetery. Hopefully I'll be able to peel myself out of bed.

Tattooing has been real sweet. I want to go full-time at the shop; but I guess that's just a matter of waiting. Tomorrow evening I get to get tattooed by Jesse. I'm really excited about the tattoo. A cursed monkey paw. Woot!

I was thinking of something like this postcard for another one later on.

The New Hairy Thing in our Lives.

2009-07-06T16:46:00.000-07:00

Squeeks, Squeekalicious, Squeekarella, Squeekie, Snorgaler, Snorkey, Snorter, Stinky, Farty, Squeekster, Squeekalikkie... The list goes on...
Aside from the expected second week of in house accidents- things have been everso sweet with Squeeks. She's got such a sweet personality. She's a bit shy, and we're working on that. it seems she feels much safer around new people when Jeremy and I are both together. We go out of our way to help her understand that meeting new people inour home is a great thing, and having people around is a really good thing. By all means our house is NOT a revolving door- but we do tend to have a couple of people over each week for work related things or visits for waffles and bacon. (yes!)
Daily we've been taking her on hour long walks in the Piedmont Cemetery or beach-side in Alameda. She's so expressive and good-mannered!
Last night, while she was with Jeremy in the dining room, I took the opportunity to take a shower- when I came out she had torn apart her "flappy" toy and pulled out most of the stuffing. It was all over the floor. I walked in and quietly smiled and looked at Squeeks. She was hanging her head with her tail between her legs. She was so guilty looking. So I said, " awe- it's a good thing to tear apart toys!" and took the remainder of the flappy toy, got down on the floor and stared tearing the rest of the stuffing out all while playing with her. She got the message that it was okay- and that she wasn't in trouble. What a little darling.

Squeeks! She's home!

2009-06-28T11:41:00.000-07:00

We brought our cute doggie pants, Squeeks on Tuesday night. She's been so cute and very playful. We're working on her shyness and barking at neighborhood noises, but the Badrap.org friends have been a wealth of information on helping with this subject.

She sleeps in her dog bed on the floor right next to me, and wakes up to ask me to cover her with a blanket after she turns over. CUTE!

in the kitchen

2009-06-17T19:29:00.001-07:00

in the kitchen
Originally uploaded by GAYTHA

you'll find wrestlers

Pics of the second meeting with Squeeks

2009-06-08T13:13:00.000-07:00

A HUGE Sunday.

2009-06-07T10:46:00.000-07:00

I start my first day at the Shop today. I'm nervous and a little crazy; I just need to get comfortable. Things will work out fine. I work 12-9 today. We'll see how it goes. I've been practicing script all week.
I just finished up with my doggie home check. We passed! I know I do run a tight ship here. Linda of BadRAP said we can bring her home next week! Woohoo! She's incredibly helpful and I'm so happy I could... Sqeee! (Pinch me, I "squeee'd")
Yesterday I wasn't feeling so great, but by the end of the day I felt better. Hooray!

The SUN is finally coming out!

VINTAGE COOL

2009-06-04T13:15:00.000-07:00

New cute items in my ETSY shop...

1.5 million laying around? I'm accepting gifts!

2009-06-03T10:53:00.000-07:00

The Eichler home I'm wishing I had the money to buy is on the real estate market. Only drawback is the location since I'd rather live in Oakland. But it's beauty will allow me to overlook that. It's being represented by Marin Modern. I found this on the Design Milk Blog

Putting it out there

2009-05-29T09:33:00.000-07:00

Sometimes just putting yourself out there is the scariest thing there is. Yesterday I went to interview at a tattoo shop to help cover shifts. This is the first formal interview I've had since the beginning of my apprenticeship. Now that I'm wiser, have a portfolio and the experience; opportunities have been coming to me in weird ways. Friends, acquaintances, and through pure serendipity I've managed to connect with two shops in hopes for something part-time. I should be hearing back from them soon.
I wear many hats already. Working with children in an after-school program, selling vintage clothing and some art in my etsy shop, and tattooing in my private studio have kept me busy. But this may be the open door I need to further my tattooing. My humility has me a bit terrified over it all. Below I decided to post some of my portfolio highlights.

Tchotchke kitsch

2009-05-15T10:43:00.001-07:00

Pizza and Salad here I come!

2009-05-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

Like I said...

I won...

The Owl.

2009-04-27T18:48:00.000-07:00

Saying goodbye to my babies

2009-04-26T17:52:00.001-07:00

I've recently listed my baby Split- leaf philodendrons on craigslist. These guys came off my 36" tall "Philo Monster" Which I'm attempting to sell to my co worker who's trying to redecorate her home and add some greenery to it. I'm getting rid of these guys because they're all listed as "toxic to dogs and cats." And I'd rather have no worries that my doghter is going to eat my greenery.

Along with that, I've begun to dig up the crab grass in my back yard by hand. I shovel about 12-15" down and pull and sift through the soil to pull out all of the crab grass roots. I average about 8s/f hr. My major obsticles have been the fact I've ran into TWO cemented-in 2 foot by 1 foot metal fence posts that someone cut down and buried in 25 years of dust, erosion, crab grass, and litter. Through my excavations I've discovered a dental cast of someones teeth, 2 marbles, a child's barrett, two potato bugs, a fork, eighteen rusty nails, enough broken glass to start a recycling program, seven earthworms and five salamanders. I also unearthed a walkway that was buried under all this filth that has a horse shoe embedded in it with the year 1941 drawn into it. Now that's awesome. I'm keeping the walkway, as it provides a pathway to the brick patio that my husband has already done most of the work on.

Out with one hairy thing... in with the new hairy thing.

2009-04-20T20:23:00.001-07:00

So last year I scored this amazing "Cable" rug by WEST ELM via Craigslist. It set off my ebony hardwood floors like you wouldn't believe. It is plush, white, foofy, and the hubby liked it on his feet. There was this major drawback that ended up finally getting the better of me this winter. The rug sheds. Not like tee hee, look some fuzzies here and there No this is straight up WAR with huge fuzzy wool lint bunny invasion from HELL. It shed more than having two big frumpy foofy dogs living full time on my black floors. Not even an hour after vacuuming and preening this gorgeous rug would emerge more fuzz. So I gave up my battle with the damn thing. I vacuumed it one last time before stashing it in my closet to think about what to do with it. Well, I figured it out. I'm selling it. So tomorrow I will vacuum, preen, and search out imperfections I can fix before a gentleman comes over and pays to take it away. I'm waiting to win a different rug on ebay that is larger, and fully AWESOME zebra print made from Oelfin (haha f-u you fuzzy rug gnomes!) As much as I love the shaggy wool carpets with giant nubs resembling marshmallows, I will not fuss over a rug like that ever again.

That said the hubby and I have decided to quit pining over every dog we see and actually go through the best dog rescue outfit we could find to adopt a dog. So we found one we have in our sights at Badrap.org. I will be devoting much of my social time to get to know, take classes with, and prepare my home for having a happy Pit Bull Terrier. Which brings me back to the rug. I mentioned the rug I'm ordering is made of Olefin is the most stain resistant and easiest to clean of all. (Yes!)
CAUTION! CUTENESS ALERT! Meet our soon-to-be Doghter...

There's Really No One Like You...

2009-04-05T11:39:00.000-07:00

Since the video for "There's No One Like You" by Department of Eagles has made a stir in the blog world, I decided to make a mix that goes with it. Enjoy.

My Ikea HACK

2009-04-04T13:55:00.000-07:00

before slipcover
So, years ago we managed to buy this useful sectional couch from a craigslister for $300 lightly used, and well, completely UGLY. The MÅNSTAD couch has a useful pull-out bed, and storage under the chaise. The color they call "Gobo Dark Grey" is what looks like a faded Navy Blue. So I went searching for a swanky velvety slipcover for it. My search was fruitless, and after consulting with my friend who makes slip-covers for a living, I decided to make one for it! (She'd told me to order one custom made, would be $1000 or more!)
I found on Ebay two matching purple slipcovers ($130 after shipping) which I cut apart after measuring the pieces I needed for the couch. I sewed, stitched, and sewed, cursed, seam ripped, cursed some more, and sewed again. After fitting it completely to the couch, in two main pieces (one for the main part of the couch, another for the chaise) I discovered it would never stay in place unless I tacked it down somehow. VELCRO! In between the seats along the backs of the cushions I glued velcro strips to the cushion, and sewed the velcro to the slipcover in the appropriate spots. I used shoe goo ($5.00) for the glue since nothing compares to shoe goo. I also used upholstery nails ($6.00) to keep the back side of the slipcover in place. I then made by using the leftover pieces of matching slipcover and some leopard velvet($20) cushion covers; optional zippers (which I used) so they can be washed. All in all it took about 12 hours worth of work. It works out great since I can just pull it off... RIP! and throw it into the wash, and not have to tolerate thee UGLY navy blue couch.

fail blog lulz

2009-04-02T19:49:00.000-07:00

So while in LA my husband accumulated too many fliers on his car. One of which I mailed into the FAIL BLOG because we though it just belonged there.

My husband rules.

2009-03-28T22:10:00.000-07:00

Besides ruling my world, he rules at Brazilian Jiu Jitsu...

he's the one in the center
My husband went to Los Angeles this weekend with his team mates for the 2009 Pan American Jiu Jitsu Championship under the Purple Belt Senior 1 and won the gold medal. (Yay FTW!) However, during the "Open" match where grapplers get to try their hand at grappling whoever- my dear husband messed up his ACL. The details on it are very fuzzy, and we won't know how bad it is until he goes to his doctor- but it doesn't look good. I'm really bummed about this and it really sucks. Please send your comments to him on his Myspace page. For the love, I'll post one of his pictures. I'm waiting patiently for him to come home so I can help him recover.

For the Love of Pizza

2009-03-15T15:14:00.000-07:00

This is my third year in entering the "Zachary's Poster Contest" and the deadline wasn't missed- I actually finished my entry! Previous years I've done posters with a sci-fi theme, so what a better homage to that then doing a Mystery Science Theater 3000 themed poster? The last two entries I submitted in the past have won; so I have yet to find out if I've bagged it once again this year. $100 free pizza and 2 t-shirts are surely enough to motivate me to coloring the gigantic poster. Although I'm much more addicted to their Caesar dressing; it is to die for.
Above is one of my previous winning entries. Below is the current entry.

Environments and Installation Art

2009-03-05T10:33:00.000-08:00

Recently my husband Jeremy worked for an artist doing some installation work. The project was so intensive that she's put his name in the credit with her work. It didn't make the website- but I think it's great!
The opening is tonight at The Museum of Craft and Folk Art
He installed FLOR carpet tiles in Megan Wilson's Project. Below is one of the interiors that Megan has done in the past. EDIT: Photos of my husband in front of the exhibit.
photo credits: Home 1996 – 2008, San Francisco, California & mocfa.org
The Featured Exhibit for this show is by Mike Shine, who creates this pretty cool Environment called the ArtShack. (pictured below)
photo credits: Mike Shine Shine Shack, Bolinas, California & mocfa.org
The show also will have Edgar Arceneaux and Watts House Project, Jacob Sockness, Merritt Wallace, and documentation of famed California environments. Who'd a thought my ass-kickin' husband would ever be involved in Installation art?

Intermission everyone...

2009-03-04T10:40:00.000-08:00

My blog is on hold until I can finish up organizing my tax paperwork. In the meantime, enjoy the photos...
My photostream via Ihardlyknowher.com

The Mighty Boosh

2009-02-24T21:12:00.000-08:00

Although this may seem late on the draw- I'm still going to write about it. The Mighty Boosh has to be one of my all time favorite shows. The Mighty Boosh's fan base is worldwide and on the verge of abnormally obsessive. I committed to my love of the show by actually purchasing the first three seasons on DVD region-2 (yes I need an all-region DVD player now.)and have resorted to watching the show on my computer. For months a dedicated fan on YouTube had uploaded every episode, only to share with the world The Boosh's brilliance; soon later was taken down by the BBC. In my search for more information, comedy and such I ran across Cheekbone Magazine which is a magazine "for the fans by the fans" in which fan art is published inside this online mag.

In thee olde spirit of BBC shows like The Young Ones and yes, I will say it, Monty Python's Flying Circus. The more refined budget of the show is pronounced with flash animations, indoor sound stages, impressive make-up and genius acting. Many of the main characters on the show often will play several parts in the same show.
Writers: Julian Barratt & Noel Fielding
Director: Paul King
Cast: Julian Barratt as Howard Moon, Noel Fielding as Vince Noir+The Moon+Howlin' Jimmy Jefferson+The Brain Cell, Michael Fielding as Naboo, Dave Brown as Bollo & Rich Fulcher as Lester Corncrake+ Bob Fossil.
If you have a chance, check it out.
Here's a clip that makes me laugh so hard, i nearly cry.

rainy day record listening

2009-02-23T13:36:00.000-08:00

It's raining and I'm enjoying listening to records. This last weekend was productive, and a had a change to cuddle with my husband and giggle a little bit. I decided to play dress up so I could show mom what I'm wearin' and that I'm not freezing my buns off or getting soaked. I'm bundled up.
I love my new coat. I love the rain. I love my records.

Bag by Queen Bee , Boots by Dr. Marten, Jacket from target (sssh!), and scarf by MyissaG on etsy skirt thrifted. Stripey socks are also target.
edit with an actual PLAYLIST.

Snakes on a... medusa!

2009-02-21T23:55:00.001-08:00

finished Medusa
Originally uploaded by GAYTHA

I finished Medusa today. This photo doesn't do it justice, epic. I say. The eyes are actually shaded white and are just a bit bloody as it's a very fresh tattoo. This measures about 6" x 6". Also did some sweet script - "Fancy" and "Dirty" killer side-hand tattoos on a way cool hairdresser, Dionne. Good times. I spotted Freddie C. at Aunt Mary's today- but didn't interrupt. Serious eatin'

Number three of forty

2009-02-18T21:23:00.001-08:00

I think this one took me two weeks, alongside the "Cheeseburger" tiki I painted. Hedwig is awe inspiring, and I can say this is pretty good with the use of skin tones for the first time. Peaches was my first- and I used only white and red. I've got to make a trip to the art supply store to purchase some colors, then I can start to get crazytime with the colors.

Murder City Devils 2.15.09

2009-02-17T12:58:00.001-08:00

MCD2.15.09
Originally uploaded by GAYTHA

Most of the photos I took that night were gawdaweful. But I enjoyed myself. Quite the night to remember. Thanks guys! And Thank you Jeremy!

We got there and it was pouring rain. There was a line down the street in front of the Great American Music Hall. Jeremy and I waited in our car luckily getting parking right around the corner. When we were returning to the car from line, Jeremy looked up at an airport shuttle- and waved. The band had just arrived, and their flight was three hours late- but the show went off without a hitch. Spencer walked passed us in line, and got us in "guestlist" style. In my old age, I'm thinkin' that's the only way to go. We were given all access passes by Gabe. (who rocks it by the way.) The show was great, the early crowd was pretty mellow. I could tell that the band was tired from the first few shows on their tour- but they were still awesome. After their set was over I nabbed the set list.(it's my very guilty pleasure of collecting them makes me shameless in asking for them.) We all convened backstage and saddled up and went to the Tonga Room at the Fairmont Hotel. Tiki fun. The pictures say it all. Drank a Zombie and had the pleasure of meeting some new friends Tobias and Cara; who are also friends with Bonni (a friend of mine.) There was a pedestrian cover band that played bad pop songs or butchered good pop songs (however you may see it.) The dance floor was full of people which Spencer described it like being at a wedding reception. Jeremy rocks for bringing me home a souvenir too. We high-tailed it outta there and sat backstage until the second show started. We had to get new all-access passes, and I managed to find my friend Maria and her friend Megan out on the floor. The drink I had earlier and some Jameson backstage got me all all riled up. I took a ton of really bad photos (which I edited last night and today) Of which only a few you can even make out a little. I video taped one song, but I'm not really happy with the quality. After the show we went backstage, talked with friends, and I managed to meet Jello Biafra. It was the first time, and was introduced to him by Jeremy. We said our goodbyes and thank yous to our band-related friends and went home. I fell asleep by 2Am. What an awesome night.

When Murder is FUN

2009-02-14T10:06:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I will be seeing The Murder City Devils at the Great American Music Hall. Jeremy is also friends with them. In my opinion, they are exceptional people with good taste. It's a plus that they make some of my favorite music.

I'm hoping while we hang out that I can aquire the box set they've just released. Pure genius. This would make my Valentine's Weekend perfect. wink wink nudge nudge saynomore.

"I want this." post

2009-02-13T18:44:00.000-08:00

Found at my favorite shoe store; John Fluevog Shoes I adore this color! It's so cute! What I also adore about this company is that they sell replacement parts so you can get your beloved shoes re-soled! That is just too sweet!

Crimespotting

2009-02-12T13:32:00.000-08:00

I enjoy Oakland to no end. Even when I'm really unhappy with the neighborhood, I'm still able to find something that makes me happy. One night I was lurking on the 'nets looking for a website that has exactly what this one has; a time line, location, and actual information of the crime that has been happening. It can be found here:
Oakland Crime Spotting.

Cheesburger and One-Half Queen

2009-02-09T20:55:00.000-08:00

Following Lux Interior's sad departure from earth I spun my Cramps records; live, singles, EPs, Picture Discs... every day. It took me on quite a trip. All a while I finished up the tiki god I'd been working on. I could say that the colors were really pulled out of my hat. I'd normally never put these three colors together on a velvet canvas; they just came to me. Inspired by The Cramps' "Songs the Lord Taught Us." I name him "Cheeseburger" Funny thing- I really think cheeseburgers are gross. The melted American cheese fills my heart with all sorts of wretching. While waiting for paint to dry I began a portrait of Hedwig A very raw, stripped down punkish looking rendition of the mug on the movie poster. I'm working on trying to find the correct value to make it gold enough to place in a golden frame. My deadline for this week is a tiny bit behind- but I know I can jump start it tomorrow.

This painting is also for sale $100 ppd via my etsy shop

Lux Interior

2009-02-04T18:53:00.000-08:00

Although this is a downswing in my blog, I have to mention the death of the artistic genius Lux Interior. Ever since my neighbor punk friend played me "Off the Bone" on his little crappy record player 20 years ago I've been a fan. So, now that Lux is gone, please don't hesitate to put your hearts out to Ivy, the surviving other leg of the Cramps, and Lux's wife- she was Lux's Vermouth to his Gin. Lux will be missed by many a fan. I'm going to go play the records now, and I know it's going to take me all night.

The Anne Bonny

2009-01-29T21:33:00.000-08:00

My trip to Seattle last December brought us to this really sweet shop owned by our friend Spencer. For those of you who aren't up on the pirate history, Anne Bonny was a female pirate who sailed with Calico Jack Rackam in the Carribean. The thought of a female pirate brews up quite a lot of amazing imagery in my head; however if you were to glance at her booty (not the one YOU think) it may just look like the inside of The Anne Bonny Believe me, I felt completely at home here, and honestly wanted to buy everything in my sight. The Anne Bonny's blog is updated often brandishing photos of people, performances, and items in the shop you can purchase; quite a neeto curiosity shop for the lover of antiques, interior design, and art. I only wish that I could come in once a week to shop. Right off the freeway it's 1355 East Olive Way, Seattle. The next time I come up tot he Pacific Northwest I will be dropping in to check it out again.

It's a Drag

2009-01-25T16:34:00.000-08:00

Yeah, over the past three years I've been wrestling with the fear of messing up on a painting that I know has the potential to be absolutely gorgeous. Today I finished it. It's a portrait of my favorite drag queen Peaches Christ. I was having lunch with my friend Jen who works at Glamarama and she's successfully convinced me to have an art show there. It's a huge salon which also is home to large walls that need to be filled with awesome tacky velvet art. So, I'm going to book the show, and then work my ass off for the next year to produce as many velvet paintings as humanly possible to attempt to fill up this amazing space. Let's see if I can do it!

Insinuendos

2009-01-22T14:12:00.000-08:00

Insinuendos: A hybrid word in⋅sin⋅u⋅ate + in⋅nu⋅en⋅dos = Insinuendos to title the shop of my close friend, Maria. She is a meticulous artist that works with a number of items that would normally make the average crafter wallow in their own failures and hang themselves. The monumental amount of fine detail and finesse she uses with sculpy, glitter, glass beads, rhinestones, nail polish, and the ever-popular industrial strength caustic glue E-6000 produces an outcome that is truly stunning. Maria's trinket boxes bring to mind horror and classical literature with a heaping helping of sardonic humor. I've been graced with the privilege of being close friends with this lady as well as receiving stellar hand made Day of the Dead-inspired gifts- sculptures that now grace the walls of my home.
I feel privileged to be able to call her a close friend. She's a sweet, super-smart, and creative force. Some days I enjoy crafting along side her in hopes that her craft wizardry will rub off in some way. She's inspiring and full of gumption. Visit her etsy shop. Her trinket boxes are one of a kind, and really worth way more than the going price.

Lists!

2009-01-21T10:20:00.000-08:00

My mother always illustrated the importance of list making for me. She'd knit out a grocery list so involved, it was listed in the order of the grocery store in which items were placed so she wouldn't have to walk in circles around the store. Her script writing is so classy, you'd think Jeeves was writing the list.
Last weekend I made the house spotless while my husband was in Vegas for work. While doing so I discovered several lists. Normally when I finish a list, I toss it. The amount of unfinished lists I found was dumbfounding. Some are still necessary, and I'll use them soon, but I honestly believe that if I don't make a list, I'll forget what I was going to do. CRAZY.

Most of the time, I have so much on my mind I cannot concentrate, so I spew it all out into a list- then I forget about it- until I need it. Then one day, Jeremy came home after visiting Richard and Amy at 1984Printing and he brought me home this sweet little book. Now, I'm keeping all my lists in one place. Hooray for doing away with scraps of paper everywhere! Write here has space for my ramblings, lists, and brandishes drawings by Cindy Crabb that are soo cute. Purchase one! 5x7 fits in my purse perfectly!

The Medusa

2009-01-18T19:30:00.000-08:00

This is Medusa in the skin. I'm pooped. I'm too tired to clean house now- and Netflix & my pajamas are calling.

I just watched NEAR DARK which stars a friend of mine; Jenette Goldstein
Near Dark is going with the vampire theme for the season.

I met Jenette through her husband Aaron who's close friends with my husband, Jeremy. Jeremy spoke at their wedding. We try to visit them whenever we're in LA and we did get a chance to see her in a play, FROZEN. Good stuff. Aaron is a pretty amazing artist which I will write about soon enough.

Medusa & Bloodsuckers

2009-01-17T12:17:00.000-08:00

I'm working on another epic tattoo. Medusa for a friend of mine. It's due tomorrow.
The sketches have been made; They were just approved with an enphatic "Fucking amazing. Holy shit." In the meantime I'll paint in watercolors so I have a decent color scheme going for her. Tracing over and over, tweaking and tweaking.

I went to the Parkway Theater where a couple of friends and I saw "Let the Right One In" which was a very amazing vampire flick from Sweden. It was a nice compliment to the cheese of the Twilight series I devoured over the last month and a half. It's pretty obvious that my obsession with the cheese of "Horror" involving vampires, since I finished "Eclipse" in December and suggested a side trip to Forks, WA while we were in the Seattle area over Christmas. I even went back and repurchased all the Poppy Z. Brite books I've read in the past. Lastnight I can safely say that I will be cementing my collection with a dvd of the movie I saw last night.

My friend Lori wrote a sweet review for it in Me-Likey.

So wrong its right

2009-01-06T21:44:00.000-08:00

Tooo Cold!

2009-01-06T11:09:00.000-08:00

The Pacific Nothwest Trip

I'm still trying to warm up my cold bones!

my friend sent me this

2008-12-21T13:45:00.000-08:00

during the election.

it made me laugh

N.O. and race

2008-12-18T20:02:00.000-08:00

My friend wrote this article.
read it.

Thank you A.C Thompson.

What the f*** was that???

2008-12-12T11:05:00.000-08:00

Yay! I just purchased tickets!

Anyone else wanna go- try getting your tickets for the Night of Jan. 10th at 7pm
wooohooo!

Stay out of the dog house

2008-12-12T09:45:00.000-08:00

Stay out of the dog house

2008-12-11T13:42:00.000-08:00

"Prop 8 - The Musical" starring Jack Black, John C. Reilly, and many more... by Jack Black

SF

2008-11-27T11:50:00.000-08:00

Twin Peaks San Francisco Sunrise (HDR time-lapse) from Chad Richard on Vimeo.

Mighty Boosh

2008-11-25T22:28:00.000-08:00

2008-11-25T19:45:00.000-08:00

Having fun....

tee heeee he he heeeee

holiday gifts

2008-11-24T21:20:00.000-08:00

FYI: Print out this and paste it all over town please.

I'm working full two days this week, then the rest of the time off.
Hustle time.

I spent the day with my two little kids friends at an indoor water park-community center 45 minutes from here. We had a blast, and it was on the clock. The mom(s) asked me to take their car which was a brand new Mercedes Benz. Well, fuck me. That was the first time I've driven one- and hopefully the last. Nice nice-ness of shit I don't need. It was like getting a taste of an elite out-of-grasp, seductive, highly addictive drug. I needed to slap myself. I've always hated everything about these cars (conspicuous consumerism, price, wastefulness, yadda yadda yadda) and how the drivers of them often drive. I found myself in the shoes of the people I generally am disgusted with. I had to admit I could get used to a car that sweet. flooring it in that car on the freeway was awesome. But I enjoy my 11 year-old Honda. I keep the interior clean, and exterior looking like a hobo's jacket. That alone, makes my car nearly completely theft-proof. It's like those crusty punks and how their clothing looks almost like leather but once was denim- the nasty grime keeps the fabric held together- just like the coating of grime and bird shit that keeps my car held together. Its paid for, I prefer to bike wherever I can anyway. It was fun tho.

Now, I'm attempting to make my family members funny gifts they'll use. Yes, this will be goofy.

Action creates motivation

2008-11-18T10:21:00.000-08:00

In an effort to avoid doing dished I thought an update was overdue.

Last night I realized I'm a bad friend and forgot my good friend Lori's Birthday. So I stalked her a little and found her Amazon Wishlist and had a few things on it sent to her. She moved to New Jersey with her hubby- and we miss them tons.
After all that was exhausted I looked to the two paintings I've been working on. The Luchadore has another coat of paint on him, and I put another coat of gel medium on the butterfly painting I've been scheming to finish. I keep promising myself that I can move on to the next new craft project just so long as I finish the unfinished ones.

This does not help with the heap of drawings I've been reworking for some tattoos. But I think that may be another blog entry.

The hubby has been making noise about a road trip and I nearly made the choice to actually take a road trip to visit my mom in Minnesota in December. Yes, you can slap me- but I did decided it was a BAD idea. Although I am built for cold weather and hard work, my mind just pinches me and says "What the hell are you thinking?" anytime I even entertain the idea of going to Minnesota during the Winter. I think that trip best be made in the Spring. But now he wants to go to Seattle. I don't know how I feel about this. I've never been there, it will be Christmas break, and honestly- I'll only feel good about it if we have the patio done. That patio is the thorn in my side. I want it done- but until then the backyard is nearly completely uninhabitable. It looks like the trash heap in Sanford & Son brandishing a big 15 foot rectangular hole in the ground about 4 inches deep. The idea is a brick patio with two large long rectangular raised vegi- garden beds. A fence that blocks out any communication with the crazy cat lady next door, and a quickly growing bamboo forest blocking out the noise-making neighbors on the other side. While trying to fall asleep I visualize the finished product and smile. A punch list written in sharpie marker posted on the fridge might attract attention.

Now to go conquer MT. DIRTYDISHES.

burrrr

2008-11-09T22:42:00.000-08:00

Life has been hustle and bustle. My friend Jesse stayed this weekend for a little vacation from the Northern Nevada humdrum. I have an ever-growing list of things to do. I nearly have all the parts I need to redesign my home-office space. I'm excited. I've been in an interior design mindset and have been cleaning the house like crazy. I worked on paintings, some skull magnets, and some shadowbox projects.

I'm happy that Obama won the election. I'm also increasingly entertained to observe the unemployed, the drug dealers, and non-voters rejoice over the new president.

I love tattooing. I really have no complaints. Watched Slither tonight. Funny.

Prop 8 and the men I love.

2008-11-04T12:19:00.000-08:00

Although most of my friends know where I stand on Prop8 (UNFAIR + WRONG)I just wanted to share one of the reasons why I feel this way about it.
Since I've been a fan of both Henry Rollins and Vin Diesel, and both find them very attractive, I also have to support their right to freedom of sexual preference.
It is saddening to learn one of the punk rock idols of your teen years is off of the hetero-dating circuit. My later years of watching pedestrian action films I became a fan of Mr. Diesel. Yeah. He's gay (or so I've heard).
I have no intentions to ever want to date either of them (I'm married and love him very much.) But given the chance (retrospectively) I'd hit that shit. That said, I'm sure many women fans could agree with me, it's a loss to us chicks who like our men angsty and build like a brick shit house. But since they both are being honest with themselves, I couldn't be more delighted! Not to mention, my gay friends now have a whole new dating opportunities open to them in the LA area, I mean shit, wouldn't you wanna date either of them?
That said, here are the two men that I feel both would compliment one another perfectly. (Besides wanting to be sammiched by them both, this is just my little fantasy...) If they were to get married- I'd be so happy I would cry out of pure joy to know the two finding happiness between their two pairs of muscular sexy arms.

One hour swim

2008-10-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

This morning I went for a swim. Tried my friend's zoomers those made it fun. The water was COLD! Here's the current info:

56°

Fair/haze

Dew Point:	50°
Humidity:	80%

One thing after another

2008-10-24T19:41:00.000-07:00

Southern Minnesota has come and left. I came back with a very mediocre tattoo, some good times, and an extra suitcase full of goods. I picked up Allison a glass insulator, some ceramic goodies for my crafter friends, and endless vintage aprons.
This week marks the "handmade" begining of my upcoming etsy sales. I have some ideas, I just need to get started on them. Flocked (yes fuzzy) refinished vintage picture frames. I'm also thinking about actually assembling small-scale shrines again.
The illustration project is coming along slowly. French bulldogs are so darn cute! This will be a popular book!
Tattooing has been steady, I'm happy with what I've accomplished thus far.
I've become very interested in this rug, and the entire process of felting. I've only attempted to felt a couple of wool sweaters once, and was pretty disappointed by the washing machine method.

Drains to the Bay

2008-07-21T10:51:00.000-07:00

ouch.
Recently had Shockwave treatment on my foot. Painful shit, but if it means I can run again, hooray for technology.

I've been tattooing so much lately, I've had NO TIME to post or even talk shit about my neighbors.
Things are going well; My etsy sales have gone up; and I have a following on my shop.

I'm planning a trip to Minnesota in October, family, tattoos and getting tattoos.

I've been recently invited to show some art in some elitist snobbery art show. I'm actually excited to be in it, and relizing it pays off to be a really hardworking nice person. Hehehehe

Woohoo!