cussin'

Tied and ready to go out the door

I don't cuss much.

I'm not opposed to it, mind you—but I'm around kids sometimes and it's just easier to change behaviors.

'Sides... I'm fond of fiddlesticks and dagnabbit.

But sometimes, an expletive is in order. So when Khoi of Subtraction needed to reprint his classic Hel-fuckin-vetica t-shirt, there was no hesitation to help out. Hell yeah we would!

Khoi also threw us artwork over the net to print up some Fear of a Cooper Black Planet shirts. Kick ass.

They're going out the door as fast as we can print em. In fact, I need to get back downstairs and stuff these into envelopes.

Real quick though: In other shirt related news, the WOXY pre-order ends TOMORROW. If you wanted to guarantee one of those for your torso, place your order pronto.

Current music: Jay-Z "Can I Get a..."

flippin switches

amp

Over the past month or so, I've been updating tiny bits on my personal website.

The most significant is a selection of links from the ever growing list of sites I visit:
These are the places I go to feel inspired or entertained, to learn or to laugh.

Also been trying to update the image on the homepage with more frequency. There's a text link to the right and under the main image that cycles through previous images.

Adding links to albums from 2007 on the main photo page.

Updated not so frequently asked questions with links to the camera and software I use.

Current music: Dan's playing piano

Nothing is fixed or permanent

(insert Sanford & Son theme) Stoplight on the main drag in Hamilton, OH

Well I didn't quite hit every day of the month with a journal entry—I mean, blog entry.

But after Project Menswear last night, I went to the bed exhausted from their challenge. I didn't actually sleep right away as I was rolling over a to-do list in my head. It's that time of year when everything ratchets up a notch and gift-guilt rears its head.

On gifts for others, I much prefer wisdom inspired by Leslie Harpold. In this instance, "When you come across something you know would be perfect for someone else, buy it for them." I do that for the most part. The true joy is finding the right box and squaring off the wrapping paper just right before securing it with tape.

I'm a harder nut to crack with the gifts I've been told. I tend to pick up the frivolous things for myself without delay when economically feasible. Can't imagine waiting for, say, Super Mario Galaxy another day more than necessary.

For the longest time I thought I was a horrible candidate for Buddhism due to my craving and collection of physical things. According to my studies through google searches, as long as these things don't make me suffer, I'm okay. I think.

When I really knit my brow trying to figure out what I want, it always comes back to time. This does not mean a clock, I have several, and one of them is fancy and projects time on the ceiling in such an annoying way that I moved it to the guest bedroom.

Current music: Jim Croce "You Don't Message Around with Jim"

It's a good thing I don't have a dog...

...or a kid

Because if I did, I would take pictures of them constantly and subject you to them.

Not that there's anything wrong with that...

Current music: Robert Plant & Alison Krauss "Killing The Blues"

bare

I'm trusting my gut to turn the car around and take photos more often. Now to get the gumption and use that same instinct on humans.

Today there was either drizzle or steady rain.

There was also an outage at Yahoo stores which means broken shopping experiences. So if you tried to get something at Wire & Twine and failed, it should be working now.

(insert frustration)

Current music: Les Savy Fav "Scotchgard The Credit Card"

Light the Square

Tyler Davidson Fountain (wiki)

Friday night we bundled up and headed to Fountain Square to see 'em flip the switch on the Christmas Tree lights.

This was my first visit since the square was redesigned, and it might not have been the best way to experience the public space. It was packed and dark. And cold. And Santa was late. And someone was really butchering Christmas carols. And there weren't any chestnuts roasting on an open fire, or hot cocoa.

But it was nice to see the whole square filled with people. I bet if Macy's would have stayed open late that Black Friday, many would have done some shopping to warm up.

All my complaints and it was still a good evening. The skating rink opened up and I didn't lose my gloves.

Fourteen snapshots of the chilly evening

Current music: Judy Garland "The Trolley Song"

The Thanksgiving that was

Before it gets too blurry...

I've many things to be thankful for this year. I'm determined to write each thing down, on paper, put a stamp to them, and send 'em out to those responsible.

If I can post every day in November, I can take a few off in December and do that very thing.

But I'm focused on one thing right this second, as I sift through photos from this past holiday. Some shout outs of immediate appreciation to my mom for the slice of time before dinner (and the buttermilk pie), and Kevin and Jodi—preparers of a most memorably delicious Thanksgiving meal.

We just polished off the last of the leftovers, and it is decided, we're going to need some recipes. But I'm sure we would have a hard time recreating them.

Some photos from my mom's house, then food, glorious food

Current music: Efterklang "Illuminant"

still digesting

a wonderful evening and meal

Brought to you by the GMC Denali

More

Burlington Coat Factory

Not affiliated with Burlington Industries

I'm thankful this is not my new logo.

But in all seriousness, it's been jam-packed whacky-busy leading up to this holiday break.

Man am I looking forward to being let down by the big parade and then making it up by stuffing myself silly tomorrow.

Be well, all.

Current music: The Soft Pink Truth "I Want To Thank You"

crawling really fast

Too fast to focus

The holidays have unofficially started.

A good dozen friends from high school, their significant others, and kids came together for a pre-thanksgiving dinner tonight. It was a bit of surprise to see folks from Los Angeles, South Carolina, Virginia, and Florida in attendance—though not everyone strayed far from our alma mater.

New Richmond if you're curious. A small town that only had two stoplights, a Big Boy and a pizza joint when I was growing up. We also had a kick-ass public school system that taught me a thing or two, and forged friendships that stick some thirty years later. (I'll do the math, that means I've known some of these folk since I was five.)

I figure our parents might have thought we were an unusually tight bunch. Though we're not all pen-pally, there are never too many twists in the grapevine to keep apprised of who is where and up to what (without the bother of Facebook or MySpace.) It's baffling really, but I'm not one to second-guess this stuff.

Time flies and it's good to have anchors planted along the path.

Yes, I was annoying with the camera. Didn't capture everyone, but here's 40 snapshots from the evening

Current music: James Blackshaw "Transient Life In Twilight"

turtle princess

Speaking of Super Mario worlds, she would fit in nicely [ + zoom, uncrop ]

I was working on a really dry entry about styrofoam containers when Wendy shot over this photo. Her camera was sitting on the counter and I borrowed it in attempt to capture the flurry of activity in the kitchen.

Taking photos of kids is often futile when they have this much energy, but this one worked.

Current music: Tegan & Sara "Like O, Like H"

Super Mario Galaxy

Setting the remote down for a moment [ + bigger, uncropped ]

Today was a day off.

It was cold and overcast and I sat on the couch in a union suit, playing Super Mario Galaxy for a few hours. If you've read anything about it, you likely heard its awesome.

It totally is (if you like those platformer / mario games).

The music, control, bite-sized levels, gravity, animation. Just spot on good.

Then the sun came out and I had to break away from the game. Bright light on the tv screen and all.

But it was good to pull myself out of that galaxy.

I'm rationing it, avoiding the end.

Not that I ever actually finish videogames, but it's happy fun along the way.

I'll be extra happy when Nintendo has some set-up in place to send new levels through the net. That's the kinda action I want in my inbox.

Bonus link: XOC SMW
The complete soundtrack to Super Mario World, covered by one man using dozens of instruments. Roughly in game order, faithful to the originals, with some bizarre artistic license thrown around. A private hobby made public. Dedicated to Koji Kondo.

Current music: XOC "Valley of Bowser"

The Ascent

Covington, KY

Though I can't find verification, I always chuckle at what many think is a quote from Mark Twain:

When the world ends, I would like to be in Cincinnati, because it's always 20 years behind the times.

Sometimes I've heard it as 10 years behind, but It's funny either way.

I spent all day down there in my hometown. Lots of good work and enough time to squeeze in a haircut with my barber and snap this photo.

That twisty structure is the new Ascent condos being added to the Kentucky skyline. We consider this Greater Cincinnati because they get things done faster on that side of the river.

If it looks vaguely familiar, it might be because architect Daniel Libeskind is also working on the World Trade Center site in New York City.

Another connection of note (pardon the pun) is the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge (picture, history) that links Ohio to this part of Covington. Finished in 1866, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time. Roebling used his knowledge here and went on to build the Brooklyn Bridge a few years later.

So maybe Twain was wrong. If you want to see what's going to pop up in New York City, look to Cincinnati.

Current music: Radiohead "Unravel (Pocket Mix)"

Kelley

(and me... there... in the window!)

Busy gal, this Kelley Deal.

She's got a book droppin' in 08, and maybe a new album too—but don't ask me for details, I know nothing.

What she doesn't have is very many photos of herself making music, so we spent a few hours snapping some shots this evening.

I need to study that Strobist 'blog more and learn about using flash off camera. Overall though, I think we got some goof stuff tonight, and either way, it was fun tryin.

Previously

Current music: The Breeders "Forced To Drive (Loho Version)"

Again with the colors

Is this the golden section of the year?

Today was meaty.

So was yesterday, but that seems so long ago.

Tucked in my shirt and drove to Cincinnati this morning. Great colors along the way... Just being those dozens of minutes south makes a difference. Pulled over more than once, some glimpses below.

Ate a good lunch and headed back to the studio, considering grays: fabrics, inks.

Stopped by the grocery and the produce department was saturated.

Threw a thick red steak on the Foreman. It came out perfect.

Now the soup's on the stove. Forecast suggests it'll pair nicely with tomorrow.

Good idea for a weather site might not be just what to wear, but what to eat. Be cool if it's like, totally, local.

Slideshow with a few snapshots of autumn, some old, many new

Current music: Color By Numbers "The Transitions"

stopgap

An unused photo from last week

Forgot the laptop and USB cables at the studio.

So here I am on a borrowed machine, resorting to this red berry, a bit exhausted, but glad I got off the sick couch and did things besides click and sniffle.

Current music: Lou Barlow "Morning's After Me"

Tissues und Brillen-Putztücher

Above the Ghetto in the bathroom

Back in 2003, I went to Europe with a fine group of fellas. It was about this time of year in fact. While there I ate excellent food, saw lots of art, rode a bike around, wrote the neatest things on scraps of paper that made no sense the next day (in Amsterdam), beer, camaraderie, all the good stuff.

I have few mementos 'sides the photos, but I did hoard a couple things. The first being the Tempo tissues pictured above. I've a dozen pocket packs to ration these past four years. I also bought a whole bunch of Brillen-Putztücher for cheap. Love ultra-clean lenses.

My stockpile is running out of both. It's time to think about Europe again, or go the boring route and get them online.

Two reasons I broke out the tissues: First the cold, it's getting better. Then we watched that Evening flick with Claire Danes and Toni Collette and Vanessa Redgrave and and and... It was better than The Notebook and I recommend it to moms and folks that appreciate a lady-flick.

Yeah, I got misty-eyed. But I'm proud of that fact.

Clears up the sinus passage, and I've been told tears make you live longer—just like laughter.

In other similar flick related notions: They're really going to have to clean up the language in Georgia Rule before it gets on Lifetime—though the commercials might liven it up.

Current music: Herbert Grönemeyer "Halt mich"

the hunt

Oh to find one of these...

Most Sundays, Dan and I have been driving around the outskirts of Dayton, looking for neighborhoods and houses.

It's not because some say it's a buyer's market, it's because renting gets old, and frankly, it's expensive. In fact, if we hit our target, a mortgage would be less than rent. We could inherit walls to paint and the responsibility of hot water heater maintenance.

Here's the rub: We're trying to find some rough midpoint between his university job and my days down in the studio. Plotting this puts us in the middle of new construction or farmhouses. Apparently, ranches are over and everything built now has to be BIG, and RIGHT NEXT to each other.

It's terribly frustrating. Driving around we spy places like the one pictured above, but they're not for sale.

Oh well, we have patience on our side.

In other news, the headcold worsens, heading south to the chest. Woe.

Current music: Grizzly Bear "Plans"

plop

taking the plunge

Just last week, as Dan was under the weather and clutching the box of tissues, I was making mental note: Funny, I haven't really been sick all year.

I can now check that off the list.

The coffee in the mug has been replaced by tea.

Current music: Bright Eyes "Cleanse Song"

Colorforms

I wanna play

I stopped to check on some stuff with Wendy yesterday, and she was deftly juggling her youngest (who is now officially crawling) and oldest (who is a bundle of energy) while the middle one was out for a nap.

It was that antsy part of the afternoon when an activity is good to focus young energy. Wendy broke out a classic Colorforms set and immediately I flashed back to the Smurfs set I had growing up.

This set was basic primary colors and shapes. Anything was possible and man I just wanted to chuck my work duties and just sit there and join in the fun. But I needed to run to the post office and bank, and (insert gigantic to-do list).

A virtual check in later revealed the fruits of their labor—butterfly and mountain range (continue to view).

Current music: Growing "Friendly Confines"

woxy.com limited edition tees

our test print

I warned there was going to be some hand-drawn lettering emerging from our studio, and it's finally here. (We're also sticking with generous whitespace no matter how trendy it gets).

Maybe you remember my first shirt for WOXY back in 2004. A lot has changed since then: I stopped doing stuff freelance and joined up with my friends to start Wire & Twine. The radio station closed, got revived by LaLa, and is now even available again on the airwaves in Cincinnati (HD Radio this time around).

Again, we looked to the doodles on Trapper Keepers for inspiration. And instead of just picking out favorite artists, Bryan over at the station sifted through all the tracks played this year and came back with the top 100.

The 2007 WOXY.com Limited Edition Tee
[available in 3 tasty colors for pre-order]

Current music: WOXY.com

strawberries and strikes

I did not take this picture

I got this note in the email box yesterday, and I have to say it brightened the morning:

(reprinted with permission, links added by me)

I first took notice of your work when I bought your Tim Gunn shirt off Ebay. I think you had a link, which I then followed and came upon your photos. The pink toy Martian in a garden sticks in my mind. I love the way you frame your pictures and how they are of mostly inanimate objects. I have since bought your hairdo shirts as well. The other day, I was walking down the street, when I saw two perfect strawberries that had been abandoned on a cement parking stopper. I took a picture. (above) I'm a member of the WGA and since we're on strike and I can't do any real writing, I thought I'd write to you and say, hey. Well done. Keep up the good work.

It's nice because I seldom take a step back and consider what I'm doing here, who's reading it, and what they see. I never realized that, indeed I do, focus on inanimate objects. That's worth a post on its own, but tis late.

But the thing that sticks is that someone's fighting to get paid for their work, and took the time to say 'hey.'

Maybe you're aware of the writers' strike. Maybe you haven't seen this video by some of the writers behind The Office. It's worth the 3 minutes and 15 seconds. But all this interconnectedness, this ability for us to read, hear, and share perspectives; it's going to change things. I hope it changes them for the good, posthaste.

And to my unknown writer out in what I figure is LA or NY, thank you for entertaining me.

...

Her response when I asked to share her photo and note: "Sure, no problem. Glad you liked the picture, when I showed it to others they were like, 'Huh?'"

(insert grin, a hopeful one)

Current music: Jude "I Know"

fancy country

It's better than MTV 'cause folks really sing

Tonight I wasn't in to watching kids doing shots of root beer in uncomfortable imitation of their parents on that reality show. So, I decided to turn on the Country Music Awards.

If anything, I can catch up on the world of popular country music. I'm very out of touch with it.

Often I think the latest generation of this genre is too polished—in production and appearance—but then I remember watching the Grand Ole Opry on the tube when I was much shorter.

I always asked why Minnie Pearl didn't cut the tag off her hats.

And what on earth was that Porter Wagoner character wearing? Turns out those rhinestone-covered suits were quite popular at the time. A product of a tailor named Nudie Cohn. They were called Nudie Suits and worn by folks like Elvis, Hank Williams, Roy Rogers and Gram Parsons.

Porter passed on a couple weeks ago by the way. I'm taking off my cap and pressin mute for a moment.

...

So I suppose new country isn't too much different than old country. There's still big hair and fancy clothes. A little twang and cheatin hearts.

And I've gotta run, some fellas named Big & Rich just got on stage and one of 'ems dressed like Mystery, they have go-go dancers and zany graphics whirling all over on the back wall.

Current music: Dolly Parton & Porter Wagoner "Just Someone I Used to Know"

hot

It was either a quick snapshot of the stove burner or some gas station I passed tonight

Couple o links inspire this post, somewhat disjointed:

Enough with the lists - looking at the list-ification of info, and how it becomes numbing. I agree wholeheartedly and yet bookmark with abandon.

What's over? iMomus looks at what's retro. His list is refreshingly pointed, including rock music, cars, and democracy to name a few. He spreads each item out with enough argument to move beyond bullet points.

Developing websites and designs, I'm always running over a list in my mind. It's loose and changes on whim, but the premise is to discount elements that are played out:

- Skulls
- Owls, unicorns, birds, bears
- Vector swirly clip art
- Hand-drawn lettering
- Type with counters filled
- The 80s
- Distressed treatments
- Shiny reflections
- Minimalism
- Whitespace

Personally, I'm not a fan of merchandise in which the design is solely comprised of a logo or brand. I've seen entire stores built upon this principle, and to that I say, give me something more.

Note, I'm going to be abusing a few of the items on this list in the near future.

Current music: Chavez "You Faded"

clockwork

Today's fun google image search? Holiday sweaters

Got up on schedule, with daylight savings shift this now means "on time."

Drove home in darkness, stopping by the grocery store for a diminutive whole cooked chicken.

Avoided the ground beef, but took a picture.

Halloween 75% off.

Seasonal aisle updated.

Current music: Grizzly Bear "Plans" (Covered By Band Of Horses)

BOCA

the tables, set

Dan had a night off, my friends had a babysitter, and we somehow managed to snag reservations last minute at Boca in Cincinnati.

It was my first time, and the waiter told the uninitiated that we were in for a wonderful experience.

He was right.

You know those meals where you can close your eyes and replay the tastes? And I know it hasn't even been 24 hours since we were seated, but this joint is firmly lodged in that part of my brain.

Some of my oldest memories are of food. The smell of chocolate when my grandmother opened the candy drawer, the first taste of ginger dressing back when my family took that trip to Hawaii in the 70's, the combination of peanut butter and banana (on a sandwich!) at Farrells ice cream parlour, the list goes on.

If you're curious, on weekends they serve a 2 or 3 course menu. I had (their words) 1. a BOCA caesar salad - wood fired romaine heart marinated with a garlic-anchovy emulsion, 2. diver-caught Sea Scallop with three-hour caramelized brussels sprouts, brown butter truffle vinaigrette & parmigiano reggiano, and 3., a filet topped with lobster and some type of sinful sauce. I'm trying to track down information on the latter.

It's not inexpensive, but cheaper than a flight to Chicago or New York. A big shout out to my friends for sharing this delicious treasure.

Current music: St. Vincent "All My Stars Aligned"

already with the filler

For the record, I prefer light, but span the gamut depending on mood.

Nixed the movie last night and ended up having a sit-down dinner instead.

Hit the pillow before midnight.

Got up early and had some java in this new favorite coffee mug. (Not in stock this moment)

Making graphical icon thingies, then heading down to Cincy for vittles.

This is the filler that posting once a day gets me.

Current music: International Pony "Hello!"

stacked

Tom sets up the shelves

Flurry of activity at the studio. That calendar is already paying off. While I was upstairs pushing pixels, Tom and Garrett were downstairs making magic happen.

Soon filling orders will be as easy as pulling out a bin and selecting the right size. (another photo from above)

Those two have also been making good with the markers for the next t-shirt—a special edition garment for our friends at WOXY. (draft)

In non-work news, I'm tempted to rent a hotel just to have a big tub and load it up with Calgon. Got home in time to maybe go out and catch a flick, but there's not a dang thing I really want to see out in the theaters.

UPDATE: We're going to see that Across the Universe.

Current music: Dirty On Purpose "Always Looking"

30 days

Not a far walk from the front door

For some reason this is the month to do something for 30 days.

National Novel Writing Month - write a 50,000 word novel in a single month

National Blog Posting Month - post thirty days in a row.

Draw Month or Draw More (not regulated to November) - draw once a day for a month.

It's also the start of Whiskerino - but that goes on until February 2008. Whoa, look at all the entrants.

Me, I'm going to try and post every day (which I try to do anyway). But now I have an excuse that quality will continue to be a far stretch from properly edited or even cohesive. I make no guarantees.

What I'd also like to really do, is not on this list: I'd like to walk, every other day for 15 minutes. Outside, in a mall, on a treadmill - it doesn't matter. But its a habit I need, and want to tackle.

I'll bring my camera along, it'll give me something to post.

Current music: The National "Mr. November"

Good grief

Hamilton, OH [ + zoom ]

No trick-or-treaters in the apt. complex, but I did manage to snag the image above with the pocket camera while sitting in backed-up traffic.

Originally tried to use the big camera, but the battery was dead. Let me tell you about the 20D—I seldom use the flash, and charge the battery about every 3 weeks. I wish all electronic devices were so laid back about sipping electricity.

In other news:

Watched The Great Pumpkin last night. Hearing Lucy say "good grief" never gets old.

Today we put a calendar on the wall at work, that nice gal behind the bar at J. Alexanders knows I will order veggie burgers, I have a hole in my sock, and need to burn some midnight oil.

Current music: Fionn Regan "Be Good or Be Gone" (video)