Brevity...

Take 3:45 minutes and listen to one of my favorite songs.

It always does me good, and I dare say it will do the same for you. "Cucurucuru Paloma," by Caetano Veloso, from the 2002 Almodovar film Talk to Her.

Conway attack!, originally uploaded by pollyannacowgirl.

Madonna Inn pictures and tales, coming soon. In other news, the free Dr. Pepper stand was on the scene at Embarcadero BART today. Its existence keeps me motivated to face each new day.

Romance

I've always wanted to spend the night at the Madonna Inn. Since I learned how to want things, I have wanted this. However, it's hard to justify staying in a hotel in the town you live/lived in, and where your parents still live.

That said, I never promised that I wouldn't accept frivolous gifts in exchange for donating my kidney. My mother has generously set up a magical evening for me in the Romance Room this Saturday night for our two-year "kidney anniversary", and I can't wait.

I'm bringing a whole pile of costumes and props for a photo shoot, if I am still standing after a day of poolside champagne and kitsch overload (if there was such a thing).

Put the Lotion in the Basket...

I've been off having adventures, sleeping, and acclimating to my new job, which is located in San Francisco's most prominent open-air shopping center and office park. It's a weird environment; everywhere I go, there's something to buy! Shoes, coffee, lotion, chocolates, clothes, spatulas...it's all there, and it's all in my face. I'm considering not bringing any money to work so I don't have to deal with the temptation any more. I realized, though, that I'll never need to buy hand lotion again if I rotate using samples at the five beauty stores within a one-block radius. Sweet Jesus!

The best thing about working in a mall is the music piped in from the sky. Usually it's some pleasant piano, but this week they started playing "spooky music" for Halloween. It's a pretty creative mix; instead of just "Monster Mash" over and over again, they're really stretching it. On my break, I heard ELO's "Evil Woman," and as I left work, I heard one of my super-favorite jams, "Season of the Witch" by Donovan. It's a weirdly sexy song that's been rightly covered by tons of bands, and I present it to you now accompanied by a witchy scene from George Romero's film of the same name.

Mrs. Muir: Fashion Icon?

I'm kind of obsessed with The Ghost and Mrs. Muir right now. It is the perfect mid-October movie! I'm a firm believer that certain movies should be watched during certain months.



Seasonal viewing--it's like seasonal eating; natural and good for you. Withnail and I is a January for sure, Amelie in March, and of course, I pack December with the zillions of holiday-themed movies that just feel weird any other time of the year.


I also like wearing seasonal clothes and colors, but you knew that already. Here's an incredible autumny haircomb from Etsy seller The Honeycomb--I love all these new hair fashions that totally work on short-haired peoples.

Apparently my new office is directly across from the Easy Spirit flagship store, which looks just like all the other Easy Spirit stores. Easy Spirits have a bad rep for being hideous comfort shoes (remember that commercial with all the businesswomen playing basketball in their high heels?), but they seem to be improving.

I've been coveting a pair of fall oxfords for a while, and after searching high and low for the perfect ones, I discovered they were right in front of me the whole time at Easy Spirit.
I think these are just the shoes Mrs. Muir might have worn while walking the beach, don't you? More Mrs. Muir fashions coming tomorrow!

I've been wanting to make this hat for a while, and this wintry weather finally pushed me over the edge! I got the yarn at Piedmont Yarn near my house, and the pattern here. It's a wee bit small, but my big head should stretch it out.

The Greatest Shower Song of All Time

I used to be a big shower-music-listener; in a bunch of my former homes we had a stereo in the bathroom for morning perk-up jams. However, because I can hear people silently farting from three apartments away in this building, I've refrained from setting up a boom box in the john. Common courtesy, you know.

Along with shower-music-listening comes shower-music-singing. Here's a power ballad I've been thinking of lately as I drag myself to places I don't really want to go. Don't be afraid just 'cause it's Barbra.

I love making jewelry. It's really soothing to play with all the tiny pieces. And you don't have to deal with an unreliable sewing machine.

I start a new job tomorrow that should last the rest of the year. I hope it suits me as much as the job I worked last week, where I got paid to gorge on free food in the nicest office I've ever seen--my very own big white desk with world-class views of the bay. Here's hoping!

Everything is Amazing, Nobody's Happy

Hey guys! If you're online as much as I am, you've probably seen the video clip of Louis CK on Conan O'Brien, "Everything is Amazing, Nobody's Happy." I have to thank my awesome friend Clare for sending it my way. If you haven't, watch it now.

Louis CK is one of the funniest people on earth, and he totally rips us all a new one with this bit. It's also kind of a hilarious way to talk about mindfulness, really being conscious of what's going on around you and in your own mind. Along with my morning handful of SSRI's, mindfulness is something I use to fight depression; it helps.

This next video is an interview with Louis, talking about how he developed the bit and how things have changed even more since he first performed it. I'm way into stand-up comedy and how jokes get created and tinkered with, so I was riveted, but he also says a lot more about expectations vs. reality, and how we could all take a step back for just a second. Spot on!

Hardly Strictly Something

We're not so good at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, SF's yearly free festival of various musics. Oh, we go every year with big plans to stay all weekend and see all the best bands, but between bad timing, huge crowds, public transportation drama, and general social discomfort, we usually end seeing half a band and hitting the road.

Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Today we watched Aimee Mann's set, which was pleasant enough from hundreds of feet away, ate some salami sandwiches, split a beer, and got hit repeatedly by a Frisbee-throwing toddler. Instead of sticking around to see Neko Case, we walked through Golden Gate Park to the beach.

It was windy. There were jellyfish. It was beautiful. Then we walked back up to catch the N-Judah. On the way there, we found this.

That's right, an abandoned dollhouse. I'm sorry, but I would rather encounter a filthy ramshackle doll mansion than see a rock show. And that's what makes me special. Very special.

Narcissism

I like to sit in my backyard and do a little self-portraiture sometimes.

Usually I already have the camera out for taking pictures of something else (like my doll, you know?)

I think overexposure is the greatest thing ever. Photography-wise, that is.

City Livin'

I've been blessed with some great free stuff lately. At my temp job yesterday, where a lucky group of world-renowned "continence specialists" (read: pee doctors!) enjoyed a grand party at the Carnelian Room, there were tons of gorgeous and super-expensive flower arrangements left over. The event team basically forced an arrangement on each temp; they would have gone straight to the trash otherwise.

Mine was beautiful, a mix of purple dahlias and white orchids, but it weighed about 8000 pounds. I could barely lift it. But I had to take it, I just had to! As I tottered down Montgomery Street back to the BART station, it quickly became clear that my weeny little arms would not be able to carry it all the way home,. I looked around for a person to give it to, but the streets were mostly empty. I thought about leaving it on the ground or on top of a trash can, but that seemed depressing. I staggered on, hoping that I'd run into someone who looked like they might accept a huge flower arrangement from a stranger.

Turns out, the second I saw the BART workers in their little ticket booth, I knew they were the meant-to-be recipients of my floral burden. I went up to the window, said my piece, "This sounds weird, but..." and moments later, having handed the vase over to a totally stoked lady, ran down the steps empty-handed. It was awesome.

I also procured a free dining table and chairs recently, which made me excited about home decor again! Here are some pics of my little city cottage.

My brother and I.

Tin friends.

China collection.

Sewing station.

The table! I am a lucky lady.

Neighborhoody Times

Some days, I love Oakland so much! Yesterday (when I was supposed to be at the DMV) I found this vintage Barbie outfit and matching velvet purse at the East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse.

That place is magical; you'd think it would be both overpriced and picked over by the thousands of hipsters here, but there is always something great to be found for practically nothing.

I also introduced the owner of Issues (the greatest magazine shop in California) to the wonderful world of Blythe. Can you believe not everyone in the world knows the storied history of Blythe? Me neither. She then showed me some insane doll collector magazines.

I bought a magazine for the first time in forever; most of the time I can't bring myself to buy them because it breaks my heart to throw them away. I have a problem.

The Dirty Post--NSFW, NSFMM (not safe for work or my mom)

More from last month's trip to the Northwest: I came across this enchanting display of vintage dirty books at Portland's best "alternative" bookstore, Counter Media. The owner let me take some pictures of my favorites.

These books are merely an intro to the most hilarious internet offering in a while. This video combines two of my favorite things: the Muppets and filthy music. Here's Miss Piggy singing a Peaches classic. You will be amazed.

Community!

I always want to hate most tv shows; they have work pretty darn hard to prove their worth to me. (Sorry, Parks and Recreation.) It even took me a while to warm up to 30 Rock, a show that I love so much it gives me a little tingle, like seeing the boy you had a crush on at, say, community college.

I spent two excellent years at community college, where I met a smorgasboard of freaks and geniuses alike, and honestly, got a better education than at the four-year state school I later attended. Therefore, I was kind of excited to hear about NBC's new show, Community.

The premise is kinda silly; a lawyer who gets caught with a fake degree is forced to back to his local community college, but whatever works to get into the strange dynamics of all 2-year schools. I thought the pilot had potential, and upon watching the second episode today, I am forced to deem this show hilarious! Chevy Chase as the obligatory obnoxious "returning student" is inspired; nobody does pompous ass like he can (I wonder why!). Here's an episode for your judgement.

Sunday Stash!

I couldn't resist this fabric. I am currently making an Amy Butler bag with it; results soon in my shop. In other news, I'm watching The 'Burbs and drinking iced tea with one Sweet 'n Low. I know the saccharine is killing me, but I don't care. A woman has to have some vices.

A day in the life of a shiftless drifter...

I don't think the sale is over, either. Get your own inside pants!

Oh yeah; here's a humorous video about Ghostbusters!

RIP Johnny Castle

RIP, Patrick Swayze. I didn't see Dirty Dancing until I was mostly grown-up, but I've watched it enough since then to make up for lost time. A classic. The Swayz had a weird and varied career (To Wong Foo, anyone?) but was beloved by all. This quote from my fave film website sums it up nicely: "He’s made a lot of bad movies, too, but somehow, most of those only endeared him to us."

Here's how I'll remember his charm and gorgeous dancing skills. Sorry for the terrible quality, but it's the only video with the actual sketch. Enjoy!

Sunday Stash!

Whew, I just made it! This new Kokka fabric is the best; from making little dolls to appliqueing on everything. I'd like to have yards and yards of it, but as I am both poor and cheap, I only have a half-yard.

You mean I have to pay attention?

I swear, guys, I don't just sit around watching movies all day. Wait. Well. Okay, I do. But I do it simultaneously with a million other activities, including any crafting or sewing. It drives people crazy. They ask, "How can you stand not actually watching the movie?" as I'm usually looking up only occasionally from my work to see the picture. But I can hear all the dialogue just fine, and that's enough entertainment for me.

However, this doesn't work with silent movies, which is what I chose to watch tonight after going through 25 screenfuls of Netflix options. I'd never heard of this one, Aelita, Queen of Mars, and for whatever reason, it was the only thing I could consider spending my time on this evening.

Basically, it's about a bunch of poor folks trying to make it through the days during the Russian Revolution. One of these guys really, really wants to go to Mars, and the best parts of the film are his Martian fantasies. Oh, and did I mention it was the first movie about space travel?

I won't lie to you: it's pretty darn slow, but worth it for the scenes on Mars; the sets and costume design are crizzazy! Get a taste, or watch the whole thing on YouTube.

Earlier today, I made this while "watching" Clueless, an equally enjoyable film that takes a little less scrutiny to comprend.

God Gave Rock and Roll To You...

The couch I watched all my vacation movies from.

Whenever I visit Portland, I stay with my beloved friend Derek, who lives in the same building I used to live in. It's a little bit like going back in time, to return to the exact same building where I spent my formative years making all the strange choices one makes in their early 20's, but I love staying somewhere familiar and cozy. Not to mention that Derek's apartment is impeccably decorated with a film memorabilia collection that demands its very own future post.

Derek also has the amazing skill of curating an evening at home with absolutely appropriate drinks and films that you'd never end up watching otherwise, and blowing out your mind with their awesomeness, no matter how avant-garde. On my last trip, I was introduced to the super-trippy short films of Kenneth Anger, and the beautiful underwater cinematography of Jean Painleve. The Criterion Collection recently put out an amazing collection of his works, including a big chunk of films re-scored by Yo La Tengo called "Science is Fiction." Beautiful! Here's a sampler.


Also, I guess when you search "Jean Painleve octopus" on YouTube, the following video comes up as well. A magical non-sequitur to take you into whatever today has to offer you! Enjoy.

Experimentation

I'm pretty proud of myself for stepping up and attempting the most difficult Blythe pattern I own. It was pretty tedious, but doable! The sleeves ended up being way too long, so I shoved them up for a more casual look.

Now on to a week of even more tedious work, manning the front desk at another big technology company. Just kidding. I love boring jobs! Work is work and I'm glad to have it. Hopefully there will be ample time for blogging, though.

The Origin of Love

Portland Teaser...

I saw a lot of things in Portland. This was one of them. A big post is on its way!

Sunday Stash?

Oops. I'm a little late on this one, but it's been a hard, hard week. I wish it was still last Sunday! Anyway, I think this Kokka fabric would work really well on a large totebag with contrasting red/brown for handles or trim. Yes?