Ladies, Ladies, Ladies

I’ve had enough! It has gotten out of hand. I nearly flipped my lid when I came across and ad for leg makeup. That’s correct. There is airbrush makeup that you can spray on your legs to make them look better.

We have really taken perfection to a ridiculous level.

Ladies!! If you do not wax, shave, or tweez then STOP reading this and get to it, do at least one of the three things.

Now I love the Real Housewives and all that other crap that glorifies what women do to stay…young. But it doesn’t mean I agree with it, nor that after fifty years you still look good from it all.  Go ahead and scrub, soak, file, and lotion away. But what is the reason for Botox? For lifting things, sucking things, reshaping things, veneering things, tightening things? Really?! And now we are spraying our legs with makeup?

Are you in a movie? On the red-carpet? I didn’t think so. Sure some of us could use some sun, yes Nicole Kidman, you could really use a little sun! But there comes a point when we (yes all us ladies) are reaching for Hollywood perfection. A perfection that really doesn’t exists.

Sure we all want “cover of a magazine perfection,” that image that is so primed, prepped, and computer generated that we have lost focus with the real-ness of a person. I remember reading an article with comparison photos of Faith Hill, and was outraged that they erased the lines at the bottom of her feet for a Redbook magazine cover. Ummm…everyone’s feet have lines on the bottom of them!!!!! What the heck!!!!

But I am not really sure who to blame for this loss in our real self’…

Magazines?

Movies?

Hollywood glamour?

Men?

Younger women?

Porn?

Or our own self-doubt?

Now don’t think that I don’t have a problem with getting old, I do!  A BIG FAT PROBLEM! And don’t think I don’t realize that I am going to look wayyyyyyy outta place next to every single Botoxed, plastic surger”ed” lady out there, I WILL. I just hope the $30 lotions and potions for my face work well enough, because…

1) I can’t even stand to spend $30 on that stuff in the first place!

2) I am me, and I can’t stand to be a fake person let alone have a fake face or fake body. Take it or leave it.

Hanging in There

Don’t you wish research papers would write themselves? Right now I am supposed to be finishing up my paper on Gangs, but instead I am here, typing away in WordPress because I hate research papers, and I have at least three other things that need to get done before nightfall.

So why waste my time coming here…I really don’t know. Haha.

I have started…a new adventure in life, yep, that sounds like a  good way to put it.

This new adventure does make it so I have less time to do, well anything and everything. I miss my dogs, they miss me, I somehow have parental guilt from ignoring them (right now they are sleeping, so I don’t feel too bad). Anyway, it is not like I have not had school, life, chores, dogs, and “an adventure” before. I have…but I also have volunteering too. Am I juggling too many balls at once, maybe, but it’s not impossible. Oh and I am supposed to be writing too. CRAP! I simply have to prioritize, however this means things like housework fall in last, which, I can’t stand!!!

On top of it all, a friend of mine posted on Facebook regarding the riches of family and friends versus the riches of money. Well of course this got me thinking. And it got my big ole mouth all worked up on which was better, my opinion, all that stuff. So on top of having little time, I got involved in this “discussion.” Right now I truly believe that money riches would be wonderful, I won’t have to worry about my housework, or exercising my dogs or spending an hour to iron my clothes. Yet…if I had a richness of family and or friends then I would have someone to yap at instead of blogging to the world about my issues. Oh social networking…how you are ruining us!!!!

So while this is just another incoherent post…I really don’t have time to make it all structured, I just thought I would get it out there.

Artist Interview with Rhonda McCormack

Please welcome Rhonda McCormack to Karin Won’t Stop Talking.

Orange Flowers in the Park

Talk a little about how your artwork ended up at home-ology in Scottsdale, AZ?

I met the owners of homeology (homeologyaz.com) when they ran another boutique called Armoire Home.  Part of their vision was to sell home decor items that were hand-made, and I decided to approach them about selling my paintings.  The interesting thing about our relationship is that as I evolved into a more environmentally-conscience artist (and person), they were also transitioning into more eco-friendly home interior products.  They’ve been incredibly supportive and enthusiastic about what I offer them.  I fit their boutique philosophy because I’m local (shop local first) and I work in a ‘green’ space with as many ‘green’ and recycled art materials as possible.  I love the direction they’ve gone, they’re cool people, and they like my funky style just as much as my more refined work.  It’s a good match.

Discuss your environmentally conscience way of producing artwork and what Brought that about?

I’ve always been all in on the movement to support our environment, but this way of thinking really began for me about seven years ago when I became interested in organic food and farming.  I learned a lot about what’s good for the soil, water, and air.  And for plants and animals.  Oh, and humans.  From that point, it just seemed reasonable to incorporate healthy, responsible choices into all parts of my life.  How you do anything is how you do everything.

Describe the mediums you use?

Puddle One

I use mixed media on canvas for 90% of my work.  I use pre-stretched and gessoed canvas, and it’s not always easy to find eco-options here.  Hint: check out the wood used in the frame as this can be one area that makes a difference.  I also use acrylics and glaze, which can be found in eco-friendly versions.  I love paint, but I love- love art paper, including tissue paper.  The archival glue I use to adhere paper is always ‘green’ and I use less paint when introducing paper into a piece.  The texture and depth that paper brings to a work is unmatched, in my opinion.  And it turns out that I have friends and relatives who often use interesting art paper as wrapping paper and also make good tissue choices.  I rarely have to buy the papers I use in my pieces…recycling, anyone?  I’m now starting to use fabrics, too.  I’ve always collected fabrics, and again, these are “finds” and it feels good to re-use.

We recently discussed your compulsive issue to save tissue paper…what got you started with that art medium?

My tissue collection grew knowing I could re-use when wrapping my own gifts.  I’m a sucker for a great pattern or unique color.  But the inspiration for using tissue in art began with my love of collage.  I’ve always been drawn to artists (and this includes many picture book illustrators) who use paper (and other materials) in interesting ways.  For me, the transparency of tissue lends itself to my vision.  Which tends to be abstract.  And all about layering.

You are also a writer and illustrator, how does that lend to your work as an artist?

The jump from painter to illustrator goes both ways.  One inspires the other.  They are a yin and yang for me…you can see some of my abstract vision in my illustrations, and my eye for order in some of my paintings.  Also, I’m crazy about modern architecture and have created many pieces for my own homes, which have all been contemporary or mid-century modern style.  This influence is also in my illustrations where characters are surrounded by modern furniture in modern rooms housed in modern buildings.  T

Saturday Drive in Phoenix

he link between writing and art varies.  With my young adult or middle grade novels, the inspiration goes one way.  I’m not usually working on a novel and have an idea for an amazing painting.  But, many a plot or character development issue has been worked out through brush-on-canvas.  Art is a meditation that clears my head and gives me space work out an idea.  Now, I do have a few picture book manuscripts and this writing is almost always happening in tandem with the idea I have in my head for the illustration.  But that’s the nature of a picture book, a story told in words and pictures.  With novels, the words are the art.  I’m grateful for how it all works.

To find out more about Rhonda, and check out more of her artwork please visit:  gongoozlerart.com

The Sketchiest Show on TV

Where does one start when describing one of the funniest and rather ridiculous shows on TV?

In the words of Rob Dyrdek…”Sketchy”

If you don’t know his man then:

A) You don’t follow skateboarding

B) You don’t wear DC shoes

C) You don’t drink Monster energy drinks

D) You don’t know his side-kick, Big Black, from Rob & Big

E) You have not watched MTV since  2003

And you have missed out on some of the most hilarious stuff you will ever find on TV, and also probably some of the most stupid things one can do in front of a camera (NO this is NOT like JackAss!!)

Yet is is not all about Rob either…”Drama” adds the most spark to the show with his monotone questions to Rob with every sketchy idea Rob throws out there.

So far this season (season 4) has involved Rob dropping a $15,000 box with no more than a laugh, a bear office chair, Rob paying to be attacked by a tiger, and “Drama” getting veneers. Sure this may not sound funny reading it from me, but trust me.

My two favorite episodes will have to go to a few seasons back when Rob purchased his mom, Patty a bunch of those romantic novels and started to read through them, finding out how dirty they were, he started crossing out the dirty parts. The other was when Rob installed a zip-line inside of the Fantasy Factory.

Now…until you go set your recorder for Fantasy Factory (yes you will!) it’s on tonight!!…I leave you with two videos

And last season, what you missed.

Trophies for Nothing

Last night The Husband and I were watching The Middle. In the episode Sue wins an award, but so does everyone else.

This brings up the discussion of how, from The Husband’s point, that trophies should be for something. That there shouldn’t be any participation garbage crap trophies.

I state that they do that stuff in Little League, and wasn’t he (The Husband) apart of all those Little League activities that provided you with an endless shelf “crap” trophies?

The Husband admits yes, and that it was stupid. I of course point out that I never got any awards, and look at how different we are, more pertaining to the fact that he has high self-esteem, and I’m still looking for mine (maybe it is on-top of a “crap” trophy I have yet to get?) Well The Husband goes on to tell me that it was good that I never got any trophies, because that makes me work as hard as I do, because I want to achieve stuff, have goals, etc.

So I ask, if that is why we are different, because I work hard and he is just lazy?

The Husband just gave me a look…maybe he was too lazy to give me answer?

I’m sure he is not upset about the comment…he has high self-esteem

Random Thoughts

I ponder lots of things…mostly fears and stresses.

More of that why are we here type of babel…or what is the order to how things happen, choice, change, or maybe, stupidity.

Sometimes…the world seems bigger than me, you…one. Sometimes it seems small and so utterly unimportant.

Today I checked out, from the library, five books on gangs (final research paper for class) and eight picture books (for more research on picture book writing…learning never ends) and I got some weird looks by others in line. I like things like that…because truly that is me!!! Nothing like checking out a book with two hugging teddy bears and a book with a tattooed gun caring dude, one right after the other to make people’s eyebrows go up a notch.

Cuddly, tough, weak, strong…I’m so many different things at so many different times. A ball of confusion yet highly organized…is that possible. Sure! Why not!

Are you as confused about this post as I am?!?!

Research Paper…I Think Not!

As a writer it pains me to say that…I CANNOT write a research paper!

In all of my college classes, at any level, I have never received anything higher than an 80% on a research paper. Essay papers I have received many 100%, but I can’t seem to pull it together for research.

If I saved every piece of feedback from teacher’s comments next to the grades, it would read: “I’m lost, you jump around, great points, but too wordy, I really don’t see how they connect, nice effort, have someone proof read it because I think you are making up words.”

AHHHHH!

So this time, I applied some writer’s knowledge to my research “manuscript.” I cut up the entire paper, at each paragraph, and went to work. Finding the proper order, is just like rearranging the scenes in a story.

As a writer can you be “bad” at research papers, yet still be a “good” writer?

Welcome Back, John Grisham!

I am not one to review such a well known author as John Grisham. He gets plenty of press for his books and surely doesn’t need my opinion out there to matter. However, I felt this time, I should speak up, because it has been a while since he has written anything of quality. In fact, the last great book of his I read was, The Last Juror (2004). His last five novels, even the non-fiction one…sucked. He is far more capable of better writing.

When Ford County came out, 2010, his collection of short stories lead me to believe he was on the rise again. The stories showed improvement and a return to his original writing. (I have his YA novel, Theodor Boone: Kid Lawyer on my “to read list” still).

So I gave Mr. Grisham a chance with The Confession (2010).

FINALLY!!!!! Welcome back John Grisham!

The Confession is a mix between A Time to Kill and The Chamber. It had heavy undertones of the reality of the appeals process, death row, and the prison system. It is apparent almost to the point of outright bashing the system in America. This could be because he is on the board in both Mississippi and New York for their Innocent Projects.

He did faultier a bit, or his editor did, as the point of view does seem a bit lost, and many times it reads like a non-fiction rant. But when you agree with what his writes you are okay with the undertones and rants.

So if you are a lost fan of John Grisham, please give The Confession a read, at least I feel, the great writer has returned

Four and a half out of five stars!!!

Grow Garden Grow

tomatoes

I’m excited…for vegetables (and fruit)!!!

blueberries

Of course I cannot take any of the credit. 50% goes to the green-thumb of The Husband and the other 50% goes to the soil.

zucchini or cucumber? lost the "tag" so we will find out when it grows! lol

I am overjoyed to see vegetables that I find at the grocery store growing in my own backyard! How cool!!! This is just the start of them, but I find myself checking on the changes throughout the day…sad, I know.

beans

strawberries

I am so excited for homegrown veggies! I have had them from my father and stepmother’s garden in the past and they were so good!

“Farming” is fun! Everyone should start their own little gardens

A Bad Read – (Not Past Chapter 1 Pile)

What do you do with a bad book? A blog friend hit on this a little bit ago, at his blog, Honest Errors.

Much like the first 3 minutes of Bruno, I simply STOP (or in Bruno’s case, turned it off) reading.

I have stumbled over more than I’d like to admit. Many I only get to the first chapter before I decide this is not a book for me, nor maybe for others.

Honestly…I will admit…The Great Gatsby…made the “not past chapter 1 pile.”

Often I will love the books synopsis. But once I start I realize the writing sucks, the writing is not my style, the writing does not hold my interests, or the story was not really what the synopsis entailed.

So I ask…what awful books have you read, or stopped reading?