Can one get cabin fever from staying cooped up at home for 4 days? Maybe the culprit is my right hand's index finger. For reasons unknown, it chose to start aching like a whinging, nagging bitch all weekend, therefore curtailing my ability to work for extended periods of time. And then, all of a sudden, it got better on monday. Ah, stress. GO FIGURE.

Anyway, still catching up with the rest of the world while working like a mad thing on commission. Then I cooked a whole lot tonight, because it seemed like a good idea:



Chicken-mushroom-onion-veggie filled crepes with white wine sauce. I love crepes with anything, sweet or salted.



Choco cake. Still in need of vast improvements, but more than edible. Is nice and moist and chocolatey. Will work on making it fluffier.

Things to do:

-Finish outline/start coloring F's commission
-Continue with color for new original piece
-Finish that other sketch
-Write the two FL galleries I'm interested in
-Clean up my studio oh gods.
-Update site's links and events page
-Call isako
-Encourage doortoriver and soldurios. *encourages* *will do so in less lazy manner later this week*
-Buy a new toothbrush
-New SPN on thursday
-Not go crazy

And, really, why has no one told me how hot a show Prison Break is?

I sleepwalked through last week.

Only I know I didn't because I quite clearly remember seeing myself drawing a lot, shipping out an print or two (gods, I have website ORDERS. One day this will feel routine. One daaaay.), responding to new commish requests, driving to the part-time jobbe, cleaning the store, selling things, chatting with customers and going out to dinner with my sister, Rose, Tristan and Christopher.

I cooked too, which is a sure sign that I'm doing really well. I know I've probably spammed this journal with 3 gazillion chocolate soufflé pictures, but it's like charting one's progress over the years. They're almost restaurant grade soufflés now, and that tickles me pink because soufflés are like that one silly thing I've been wanting to get right since I started learning how to cook. Remember, kids, a pinch of cream of tartar is your happy friend:



Ooooh, and I found THE dress. The one I'm going to be wearing at AX. Because this year, I'll be going as...myself. XD I figured it's just about time. And really, any excuse to walk around like this in broad daylight is a good one. And isako, I will hunt down another dress for you. You will look like a goddess in it and all will be good.



Love, I tell you, LOVE of the sweet Versace knock off variety, found in a Brazilian clothing store. All I need now is this top hat. Better believe I'm already saving up for it like whoa.

Things I got in the mail this week:
--A lovely silvery card from tcregan. Thank you!
--Tatieva's smoking hot painting catalog. I love Tatieva's art. And if you're not averse to things like boobs and pinups, chances are you will too. :3

And on we go.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO soldurios

This is me overflowing with pride.

I created a monster.

One thing led to another, and now I have more commissions than I ever thought was possible. For some reason, half of them are going to feature people in various degrees of scantily clad.

I should have known that they weren't kidding when they said be careful what you wish for. Not that I'm complaining, no. I'm just a little boggled. Maybe the universe is trying to tell me something.

So I'm almost caught up on everything. My health has returned although I'm still being careful. I'm going to update myspace soon and I'm definitely going to tinker with pth.com now that I have *gasp* a lineup of commissions. But first, let's catch up with LJ, read other people's LJs and get used to acting like an all around functional person again. :]

( Meme stoled from Isa )

So I haven't been totally useless during my sick week, but it kind of amazes me how something that took me this long to churn out on a regular year ended up getting completed in less than a week at a time when I could barely sit up or lift a spoon to feed myself. At any rate, my work is done and my commissioners are happy with it. Score!

( Details and stuff )

Hai guys! As the subject line says, I still live! Isn't that just awesome? I know, some of you were waiting for moderately good news, which I'm glad to bring. So sorry I couldn't do that earlier, seeing as I could barely type, let alone type full sentences. A big thank you to everyone (hey, naa, thanks for the nudge :D I'm alive!) who's commented on the previous post by the way--encouragement to get better always helps. XD

Also, thanks again to doortoriver, isako and my sweet queen_lily_rose who is now sick too. *huggles*

So yes, I've been sick as can be for over a week since last post, but I seem to be reaching the end of that tunnel.

( More ramblings on illness )

Meanwhile, I was not completely idle--well, while I wasn't busy lolling about, fearing heart attacks and feeling overall nauseous. I managed to get some further work done on my commission and when I was too tired to do anything else, I marathoned myself some Supernatural (thanks isako!) and for added measure, had some laughs over the Plastic!Winchester Theatre (whoever created this thing, you are made of Awesome Genius). Actually, I sort of died and lost my voice laughing several times. If you're having a lousy day and can't find much to laugh at, I would totally recommend it.

For extra crack, go watch the PWT Opening Credits as well as a cute fluffy song.

Disclaimer: Read and watch at your own risk. I'm not responsible for anybody's brain breaking.

So I've been completely out of touch lately. I wish I could blame work, but the truth is, the past couple of weeks have been filled with weird health scares. Namely, I thought I was going blind in one eye. My left eye turned really red for a couple of days (all that with weird, cloudy vision...) and I took myself to the doctor. It seems like tiredness, mild infection and possible contacts overuse were at the source of it. I've rarely had contact issues before, mostly because I immediately switched to glasses when I felt it was needed. Unfortunately, my glasses are no longer suited for driving (although they're perfect for staying at home) so money was shelled out to get another pair for driving. Eye is still a bit red and not all that healed yet, but it's slowly getting better. Serves me right for ignoring cues from my body. -_-

Anyway, on a more positive note, I haz merchandise!!!



The tote bag line is still in its experimental stage, however purpletophat.com was recently updated with bookmarks. Aaaand the commission page. Go see!

And now, time for a meme:

Pick 10 people and give them the "you make my day" award. If you're picked, you are charged with picking 10 of your own. (okay, so you don't *have* to...)

( Awards under cut )

Seriously, WTF.

I get too busy for a while and I return to find this??? I'm going to share a pained cry of outrage with isako at the appallingly unwise casting of EMMY ROSSUM as BULMA, and doortoriver's relieved sigh that there is no Vejiita in sight...for now.

Goooods. Maybe Spike can save the day. Aha. T_T

...on finishing the first volume of your trilogy!

I am so very proud of you right now, and am counting the days until I can take pictures of "Guardian" sitting on a shelf at Barnes & Noble. :D :D :D

Go see Ruthanne's brand new website: http://www.doortoriver.com <--not a full site yet, but it's fun and inspirational, especially if you're an aspiring writer.

Oh yeah, you can start adding her on myspace and/or livejournal. You'll be able to say you knew her before she got famous. :D

[/deliriously proud plug]

Well those went by pretty fast, didn't they?

Ten years ago, I was an art student. Eight years ago, I got really sick. Six years ago, I reached what I'd call a personal bottom. Four years ago, I got back on my feet. Two years ago, I took a leap. Last year, I flew. Believe me, it's worth it. It's all worth it.

There's nothing else to add, really, except that maybe, maybe, this is the first birthday I've had in a long while that finds me both stressed...yet profoundly content. I'm where I hoped I could be, and the great things is, I still have a ways to go. That's kind of exciting. :)



Aaand introducing Indigo, Mediterranean/gypsy sister of the Heart Suite. She was finished on the day of my birthday.

PS: Thank you to everyone who called/texted/emailed me for my birthday. *hugsnkisses*

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE. <3

I love it when good unexpected things happen. Such as or driving down to South Beach Friday night and dining at Caffe Milano, then wandering around Ocean drive and Collins ave. for a little bit. That wasn't supposed to happen, but it did, and we ended up having a fabulous evening. As usual, I snapped a couple of shots.



Miami Beach on a Friday night. Whohoo.

( Caffe Milano pics and new doodle under cut... )

Now if we rewind a little further back, Sunday saw me exchanging hostages (:3) presents over at queen_lily_rose and poelaramont's place, right before heading out to watch I am Legend. Very good movie, that. Not strictly in terms of plot, which is kind of the usual am-the-last-person-on-earth-and-everyone-has-turned-into-zombies/vampires/rabid mutated humans plot, but whoa, wonderful execution. And whoa, I'd forgotten how well Will Smith can act. Also, terrifying movie. But mostly awesome.

( Pics taken with Rose and Tris )

And here is my Christmas loot, mostly in pictures, naturellement.

1. An E-Z up tent for outdoor shows...



...which was immediately put to use a few days before Christmas for my Lake Worth show. It was too big to fit under the Christmas tree anyway. :P

( Speaking of my last show, here are some pics of it and more of the Christmas loot... )

.....9. Last but not least amongst self purchased presents is this adorable original painting by my friend Lost Goat, who happens to be one of my favorite artists:



It's called "Skull Garden #33". And since there is no written law on Earth that says I can't talk about how wonderful Lost Goat's art is, I'll direct you to both her website and myspace.

And this concludes one of my last entries of the year. I'm thinking of doing a yearly recap, or even make a post or two of this year's highlights (read, my first solo show at Enchanted Deva's in LA...) We'll see what I manage to get done.

I have no time to make a long elaborate pretentious post so here you go, last week's solo show pictures are right here under the cut, followed by my preparations for tonight's show.

Oh yeah, I'm showing tonight in Lake Worth again. *copypasteinfo*

Friday, December 21st: Evening on the Avenues
6:00pm-10:00pm
Street fair type in a lovely park in the city of Lake Worth, Florida.

501 Lake Avenue
Lake Worth, FL 33460 (this is the address for the Chamber of Commerce,
which faces the park)

-->Mapquest

Okay pictures now. XD



( Friday Solo Show pictures! )

I just got the most wonderful Christmas present from my parents this year. An EZ-up tent! Right in time for the show too. We did a test drive in the family room.....



( Hmm, did anyone notice there's a tent in the kitchen? :) )

I'm also launching a new product tonight. Bookmarks! $7 apiece. Will be available on purpletophat.com momentarily.





And that's it for today folks! I have to finish packing and must run out of the house in less than 4 hours now. If I don't come here again until next Tuesday, have yourselves a Merry Christmas and a Happy Yule!

*hugs all*

*RUNS*

And before you ask, the show went smashingly well! Pictures in next post ^_^

*********

I'm not going to tag anyone, but feel free to post your own replies here and on your LJ. :D Onward:

Four jobs I have had in my life

1.) Artist
2.) Receptionist
3.) Sales associate
4.) Universal translator. lol.

Movies I've watched more than once:
1.) Amélie
2.) Gladiator
3.) Ever After
4.) 28 Days Later

Four places I have lived:
1.) Goupillières, Ile-de-France, France
2.) Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Ile-de-France, France
3.) Los Angeles, California, USA
4.) Irvine, California, USA


Four T.V. Shows that I watch:
1.) Dexter
2.) Beauty & the Beast (do old shows on DVD count?)
3.) Buffy
4.) Ouran High School Host Club

Four Places I have been:
1.) Bangkok, Thailand
2.) Hawaii
3.) Ixtapa, Mexico
4.) Tahiti

People who e-mail me:
1.) isako
2.) doortoriver
3.) customers :D
4.) Staby

Four of my favorite foods:
1.) Curried dishes
2.) Tuna tataki
3.) Couscous
4.) Chocolate souffles

Four places I would rather be right now:
1.) Home is great but...
2.) Los Angeles I miss.
3.) Enchanted Deva's, the most fabulous pirate store ever.
4.) Disneywold

Things I am looking forward to in the next year:
1.) My (omg) second solo show at Enchanted Deva's :D
2.) Seeing isako and doortoriver and possibly koudelka again. And Mickey. And all the other people running around in LA that I've missed.
3.) Being able to perfectly balance the demands of having two jobs and a full schedule.
4.) Last but not least, drawing and painting lots and lots and lots!

DGSDTEIr345$$%#^&!!1111111111111one

Showtime.

*runs out the door*

Have yourself some promo shtuffs, as seen on myspace. lol.



This week couldn't be better--I have less hours over at Le Part Time Jobbe, so that leaves me room to get ready. Of course, said work hours fall right on the day of the show, so I'll probably be insensate by the end of the day.

Okay. So it looks like I'm going to be solo at the Goddess Store next Saturday night. Which means... I need to fill up the gallery with my stuff. Which means...I have to get everything ready PRESTO in less than one week. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaHHHHHH.

*calms down*

Never mind that, I can do eet, and it'll be fun. Anyway:

SOLO SHOW ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15th

When? 7pm-10pm

Where? The Goddess Store
2017 Harrison Street
Hollywood, FL 33020

Mapquest

December certainly is a good month to do shows in Florida, what with the nice weather and the influx of people from the north. And yet...while last Friday went really well, it was a close call. Rain was pouring on the freeway as we drove to the park, and started dribbling again as soon as we left!

All in all, I'm glad we made it.



If you squint a little, it looks like Montmartre. :)



Yours truly and her two tables.

( Couple more pics under the cut )

I really hope I get more time to work on a new piece this week... Perhaps I should get back to packing all the merch and see what time I have left. At least, all my Christmas shopping is done. :D