Widow

A dress made of 100,000 dressmaker's needles.

This dress is  Susie MacMurray’s “Widow,”. The dress was created with black Napa leather and more than 94 pounds of adamantine dressmaker pins. The dress is currently on display at Victoria & Albert Museum’s “Power of Making” exhibit in London. The dress was created in 2009. The dress is meant to convey grief of lost love.

Widow is the fourth in a series of garment sculptures that explore concepts of female identity. According to Jasmin Malik Chua at ecouterre, "pins have strong associations with 'women’s work'—and vulnerability. Look but don’t touch."

For more information on Susie MacMurray visit her official website, here.

Happy 176th Birthday to Mark Twain

Birth Name: Samuel Langhorne Clemens
Pen Name: Mark Twain 

(November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910)

When Art Hurts

I find myself to be very sensitive to paintings and photographs. The other day at work I came across an image of an orange that I had never seen before. The orange peel was hanging off of it in a spiral. I stared at the image for about two seconds before I had to turn away. I dared myself to look at it again, this time for one second. It was too much. I had no idea, all I could really do was speculate; theorize. Was it the color? Was it too bright? I have always preferred overcast days and cool weather. Did the orange color represent the sun? Did the spiraling of the peel represent unraveling of emotion and stability? I don't think so. I love oranges, I often take photographs of fruit and other food. I like the texture of orange peels, so what gives?

I frequently lay my eyes upon images that disturb me. It isn't until now that I am realizing just how often it happens. Sometimes the reasons are identifiable.When I'm perusing the internet sometimes I'll come across an image that conveys dusk. I can't stand dusk. Just the very idea of a sun descending with the light burning upon buildings and shadows created beneath; I don't handle it well.

Sometimes I'll land on an image that hurts so much that I have to cover it with my hand until I can click away. Art always provokes emotion. In fact anything we see provokes emotion. A building, a flower, an ant, a dog, a person. A color, a shade, a shape. I am very sensitive to all that I see and sometimes it becomes emotional overload -- overstimulation. What's a highly sensitive person to do?

When it comes to high sensitivity there are plenty of tests (which I have taken) to take and books to read. Existing within a world that misunderstands is something else. As an introvert (more specifically an INFJ - Introvert -Intuition - Feeling - Judging - 1% of the population) and a highly sensitive person, I often find it difficult to survive comfortably in work environments and crowded social situations. It is difficult because senses are heightened and sometimes that's painful when accompanied by others and sometimes it is even painful when alone. So, all five senses are subject to alarm at almost any given time.

According to Jim and Amy Hallows' article Highly Sensitive People, "Highly Sensitive People's systems are very porous, meaning that external stimuli seems to be more directly absorbed into their bodies. (It has been said that it is as if HSP "have no skin" to protect them from these outside stimuli.) Non-HSP generally are less porous and have natural defenses which defuse external stimuli thereby not directly impacting and overloading their nervous systems."

What I practice, is reframing. As a psychiatric social worker this is something I encourage patients to do when facing their struggles. I think many of us find it easier to preach than to practice. It takes practice, and it takes work. Especially when it comes to something in which we see something that causes an immediate reaction.

It's easier to walk away from or flinch or turn away from the sight of something ugly. Easier to allow oneself to forget than to investigate the reasoning behind our reactions. Sometimes I do just that. More and more though, I am attempting to process what I found so horrifying. It makes me uncomfortable and being the highly sensitive person I am, I often find my attempts to stick with the process to be physically painful. Worth the effort? Definitely. High sensitivity has its benefits but wouldn't it be better if we had more control over the things that hold us back?

Jabba the Hutt as a Cupcake. Ew.

I've never seen Star Wars. Yes, you heard me right. I've never had an interest in the films, despite the cult following. I came across this cupcake from Cupcakes Take the Cake via Tumblr. Pretty realistic ay?

Pretty gross. Jabba the Hutt as a cupcake. Jabba the Cupcake. Ew. As much as I love cupcakes, I don't think I could ever bring myself to bite through all of this.

Japanese Plum Mentos

"Ume" is often translated as Japanese plum (or apricot).

(source)

Christmas Group Therapy

Hello Kitty Indian Hobo Cross Body Bag

Just purchased this new item from Hello Kitty. It is the Hello Kitty Indian Hobo Cross Body Bag at Japan LA (I don't like the word "Indian" when referring to Native American's but you get the idea here). Here you will find an embossed faux leather bag with a detachable faux leather tassel. The bag is 9.5"X 6.75" in size. I'm not usually one for leather styles, nor am I usually a fan of tassels. Some how Sanrio has pulled it off.

This item can be found on the November 20th, post on the Japan LA blog. The bag is sold directly on the website for $59.95. For those who are interested there is also a matching wallet sold for $32.95.

PETA wants you to wax your vagina.

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has a long history of exploiting women in attempts to save animals. They love to strip pregnant women  in cages, fat shame, launch porn sites, dress supporters in KKK cloaks, and scold the President of the United States for swatting a mosquito. And really, that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Now, here they are insisting that women need to get rid of all fur. And I mean ALL of it. Not just the fur on our coats but the fur on our vaginas.

 How are we helping the animals or PETA by waxing our hoo haas? Well, we're not. According to Ms. Magazine, PETA is collaborating with Strip Ministry of Waxing, who will be donating some of the proceeds from Brazilian and “XXX” waxes to PETA. So, THAT is why they want you to get rid of your pubic hair.

I don't oppose waxing and shaving. I do it myself. But, PETA isn't getting any of my hard earned money. Saving the animals is a worthy cause, but sexism never is.

Ani Difranco recites Judy Grahns' "Detroit Annie, Hitchhiking"

For some time now Ani Difranco has been selling bootleg recordings on her website. Out of the 12 bootleg albums, only one has been released in stores. The others can be found online at the official Righteous Babe website.

It is on the 2006 release of Difranco's Live at Carnegie Hall cd that you will hear Difranco recite a brilliant poem from the mind of Judy Grahn. The performance and live recording of "Detroit Annie, Hitchhiking" took place on April 4th, 2002.


Ani Difranco recites Judy Grahn's "Detroit Annie, Hitchhiking" at Carnegie Hall - 4/6/2002

Detroit Annie, Hitchhiking - Judy Grahn

Her words pour out as if her throat were a broken artery
and her mind were cut-glass, carelessly handled.
You imagine her in a huge velvet hat with great
dangling black feathers,
but she shaves her head instead
and goes for three day midnight walks.

Sometimes she goes down to the dock and dances
off the end of it, simply to prove her belief
that people who cannot walk on water
are phonies, or dead.

When she is cruel, she is very, very
cool and when she is kind she is lavish.
Fisherman think perhaps she’s a fish, but they’re all
fools. She figured out that the only way
to keep from being frozen was to
stay in motion, and long ago converted
most of her flesh into liquid. Now when she
smells danger, she spills herself all over,
like gasoline, and lights it.

She leaves the taste of salt and iron
under your tongue, but you dont mind
The common woman is as common
as the reddest wine
~Judy Grahn 


For more information on Ani Difranco visit the official website, here.
For more information about Judy Grahn visit the official website, here.

Hamburger Necklace for Me

New necklace for me. A small gold plated pewter hamburger necklace on a gold plated chain. This tasty treat is from chrysdesignsjewelry on etsy.

Sesame seed bun with meat and lettuce. Well, actually it seems that the burger has only a single slice of lettuce which gives the illusion of lettuce and meat. It would only be better if there was some tomato and cheese in there too.

The gold pewter gives the necklace a old fashioned look as well as something to be treasured. This gives this very pleasing jewlery piece an air of carefree humor.

Detroit Annie, Hitchiking

Detroit Annie, Hitchiking

Her words pour out as if her throat were a broken artery
and her mind were cut-glass, carelessly handled.
You imagine her in a huge velvet hat with great
dangling black feathers,
but she shaves her head instead
and goes for three day midnight walks.

Sometimes she goes down to the dock and dances
off the end of it, simply to prove her belief
that people who cannot walk on water
are phonies, or dead.

When she is cruel, she is very, very
cool and when she is kind she is lavish.
Fisherman think perhaps she’s a fish, but they’re all
fools. She figured out that the only way
to keep from being frozen was to
stay in motion, and long ago converted
most of her flesh into liquid. Now when she
smells danger, she spills herself all over,
like gasoline, and lights it.

She leaves the taste of salt and iron
under your tongue, but you dont mind
The common woman is as common
as the reddest wine
~Judy Grahn 

Gluten-Free Shirley Temple Cupcakes!

It was just recently that a friend of mine and I made these yummy gluten-free Shirley Temple cupcakes. These are by Carol Kicinski of the blog Simply...Gluten Free, author of the cookbook Simply...Gluten-free Desserts.

Although (as far as I know) I do not have a gluten-sensitivity or Celiac disease, I have been eating gluten-free. The benefits are quite wonderful. These aren't necessarily healthier than gluten filled cupcakes. Trust me they still have tons of sugar and fat.

When I made these with my pal, it was easy to see the difference between gluten-free cupcakes and gluten cupcakes. The gf cupcakes didn't rise very much. Perhaps we made them incorrectly, as they did not look like the above image! Still enjoyable to eat though.

Find the recipe, here.

i feel like a piece of felt toast

From of kwolder / CC BY 2.0 via Squidoo

My new pancake scarf from Twinkie Chan!

Check out my new scarf from Twinkie Chan! A new one to add to my collection! Yesterday Twinkie Chan had a 24 hour sale on her etsy page, in honor of Black Friday. I would have nabbed other choices but the items went fast!

Here Twinkie Chan models pancakes with maple syrup and butter. Lip smacking good!

For more information about Twinkie Chan visit her official website, here.
To visit Twinkie Chan's etsy page, click here.

Kina Grannis, the Jellybean girl, refuses to give up artistic control

I believe it was last month that I posted about singer song writer Kina Grannis. If you don't remember here's a recap. She's the one who appeared in the jellybean video. A process that consisted of 22 months,1,357 hours, 30 people, 2 ladders, 1 still camera and 288,000 jelly beans.


In Your Arms - Kina Grannis

I've come to learn more about her and what is impressing me the most right now is not just her talent but the fact that she insists upon creative control over her music. This of course, is always a risk when you are trying to find a fan base and make money at what you love to do.

(source)

Grannis is a 26 year old, Japanese American woman, born in Southern California. According to the UK website, Female First, Grannis taught herself to play the gee-tar at age 15. She self-released three EP’s while studying Social Science and Psychology at the University of Southern California.

On Grannis' current album release, Stairwells, she not only sings but plays the guitar, ukulele, piano and glockenspiel. It is a self funded album, which I find incredibly impressive.

Although, Grannis turned her back on the mainstream record deal, she is not without opportunities. In 2010 she headlined two Lilith Fair tours and her online supporters are growing by the day. I imagine the awesome jelly bean video has spread through the rumor mill. Sure, the girl can sing and play, but I don't doubt that the jellybeans helped her along as well.

Watch the below video, which explains the process of this video. It's a lot more complex than you think. 


The Making of "In Your Arms"

For more information on Kina Grannis, visit her official facebook page, here.

Oh, to pee standing up

If I had a penis, I'd be really excited about this.

Dilate

Ani Difranco is a lot of things to a lot of people. To me she was my saving grace in high school. Ani's lyricism has been a hole for me to fall into throughout the years. A place to be enveloped. Dilate was one of my best friends during, particularly during high school break up devastation.


Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY

Dilate

life used to be life-like
now it's more like showbiz
i wake up in the night
and i don't know where the bathroom is
and i don't know what town i'm in
or what sky i am under
and i wake up in the darkness and i
don't have the will anymore to wonder
everyone has a skeleton
and a closet to keep it in
and your mine
every song has a you
a you that the singer sings to
and you're it this time
baby, you're it this time

when i need to wipe my face
i use the back of my hand
and i like to take up space
just because i can
and i use my dress
to wipe up my drink
i care less and less
what people think
and you are so lame
you always dissapoint me
it's kind of like our running joke
but it's really not funny
and i just want you to live up to
the image of you i create
i see you and i'm so unsatisfied
i see you and i dilate

so i'll walk the plank
and i'll jump with a smile
if i'm gonna go down
i'm gonna do it with style
and you won't see me surrender
you won't hear me confess
'cuz you've left me with nothing
but i've worked with less
and i learn every room long enough
to make it to the door
and then i hear it click shut behind me
and every key works differently
i forget everytime
and forgetting defines me
that's what defines me

when i say you sucked my brain out
the english translation
is i am in love with you
and it is no fun
but i don't use words like love
'cuz works like that don't matter
but don't look so offended
you know, you should be flattered
and i wake up in the night
in some big hotel bed
and my hands grope for the light
and my hands grope for my head
the world is my oyster
the road is my home
and i know that i'm better
off alone

It's time

GetUp! in Australia released a commercial from the perspective of one gay man. It builds to a marriage proposal. The Advocate is calling it Possibly the Most Beautiful Ad for Marriage Equality We've Seen. I have to agree. See for yourself.



It's time..

Phallic Lollipops and Significance

I just wrote a post entitled, Phallic Cupcakes and Significance. It was in that post that I spoke about penis cupcake pans sold at my favorite sex toy shop, Toys in Babeland. Here I am continuing the theme by posting about phallic candy.

I believe that penises (like vaginas) are many things. Odd, funny, flashy, simple, complex, vulnerable, ugly, beautiful. I find it to be interesting and only slightly humorous when phallic things are meshed with unlikely concepts such as food and candy! So, rather than crude, it is a strange homage. I think that penises can be quite beautiful and I find them to be beautiful most often when I am involved in a relationship.

Penises can also be quite frightening. Penises are often catered to through patriarchy. Be it through porn or rape, or even the mindset of even the most sensitive and liberal of men -- the beings behind penises are often a source of ego and harm. Yes, often. If you've ever taken a look at the statistics of rape, you are aware that men can be dangerous. If you've ever felt dominated by a man, then you understand that men can be hurtful. Penises often represent machismo rather than honesty and I think in some ways novelty penis candy diminishes that. Products like these are playful and carefree.

About eight years ago, I came across an erotic candy brand called Lollicock (I must say, I'm not at all fond of the word cock).

I purchased an erotic lolly and never got around to eating it. Why? When I purchased it, I put it away, figuring at some point I'd get around to it. I had left it alone for so long, that during the Summer when the ants came out to play, they got a hold of it. Needless to say, I had to toss it out.

I wouldn't be opposed to trying another one out. These phallic lollipops come in various flavors which include, Raspberry, Strawberry, Apple, Black Licorice (yuck), Chocolate, Watermelon and Vanilla. Each pop is six inches long. Not realistic for all men, of course. To purchase this candy visit Bachelorette.

The Penis Solitary Ring can be purchased at The Bachelorette Superstore.

Hens and Brides sells this Rainbow Cock Pop.

All of these candy items can be purchased at various erotic candy and bachelorette themed websites.

The penis as well as the vagina are serious and silly. They are vital parts of ourselves and rather than letting them define our sexual status, prowess, and desirability -- we can embrace them as something sacred, as something with flare. So as it turns out, phallic lollipops are are much more than fun novelty. They can also represent a humble way of embracing a multipurpose body part. A body part that has been the source of mystery for men and women alike.

Phallic Cupcakes and Significance

This penis cupcake pan can be purchased online for $15.00 at my favorite sex toy shop, Toys in Babeland.

Phallic cakes...and other phallic things.. are so interesting to me. Penises (like vaginas) are many things; odd, funny, flashy, simple, complex, vulnerable, ugly, beautiful. I find it to be interesting and only slightly humorous when phallic things are meshed with unlikely concepts such as...cupcakes! So, rather than crude, I find these cupcake pans to be a strange homage. At times I find penises to be quite beautiful and most often when I am involved in a relationship. 

Penises, however, can also be quite frightening. Penises are often catered to through patriarchy. Be it through porn or rape, or interpersonal dominance, the beings behind penises are often a source of ego and harm. I think in some ways a baked good penis diminishes that.

Cupcake pans like this are something that are likely to be whipped out during a bachellorette party. It is novelty and is meant to be taken lightly. But rather than whooping and hollering I will be munching with a playful grin. Yes, I'll be making this purchase.

In attempts to to practice healthy living, I've been eating gluten-free. So, these penis cupcakes will be gluten-free cupcakes. For some reason, I find that funny. These cupcakes will be extra special. However, being that cupcakes consist of sugar and fat, they will not at all be a part of healthy living. Heh. 

Bottom line; rather than viewing the penis as a source of power -- novelty items like these penis cupcake pans can represent affectionate play. Sounds good to me.

Forbidden Fruit by Free Humanity

I'm a big fan of street art and found myself lucky when a few weeks ago I came across the work of Free Humanity while driving in down town Los Angeles. To take a gander at my findings, read my blog, Street Art Sightings in Los Angeles. Since then I've come to find a blogsite dedicated to the wonder that is street art. On this day, Melrose and Fairfax: A Celebration of Street Art in Los Angeles, posted the below image.

Here Free Humanity presents an apple bomb piece. Looks more like plum bombs to me. Poignant and pretty none the less.

A stenciled bomb squad is displayed onto cardboard below that apples.

Here lays a wayward apple ripe for the picking. A passerby can take this right off the tree. According to Melrose and Fairfax, in May of this year, Free Humanity did an installation piece called Forbidden Fruit. Real apples with grenade tops affixed to them were found hung from a tree. The LAPD lept into action by shutting down the Metro station and calling in a bomb squad.

To learn more about Free Humanity, visit the official website, here.
To learn more about Melrose and Fairfax, visit the blogsite, here.

Occupy Wall Street

Andrew Bird lends his whistling skills to The Muppets Movie

Today I watched The Muppets Movie and was delighted to discover that the ever so talented and ever so handsome Andrew Bird (whom in my opinion actually looks somewhat like a bird) made an appearance in the film. He is disguised behind the voice of a puppet who realizes he is really a muppet. Let me clarify. Bird whistles in the movie during a particular singing number. That is all and it is grand.

Bird has mentioned in interviews that he doesn't want to be most known for his whistling skills. Even so, it seems that he does not stray away from it. In fact, in this film it is his only role. The song below has also found its way onto the film's soundtrack.


"The Whistling Caruso" 

It surprises that Bird fears that he will only be known for his whistling as his skills stretch far and wide.

Andrew Bird got his start as a solo artist but found his commercial success when he was involved with The Squirrel Nut Zippers 1996 to 1998. He appeared on their albums, "Hot", "Sold Out" and "Perennial Favorites". Bird later blazed his own trail as a solo performer.

I was first exposed to Bird's music when he opened for an Ani Difranco concert years ago. He played solo and incorporated use of guitar, glockenspiel, violin and yes, whistling. He used instruments seemingly simutaneously which was a real treat. We as an audience were wowed.

Bird is known for playing a guitar then slinging it behind his back only to pick up a violin. He'll use a glockenspiel and then move over to his mic to do some singing and some whistling.

In 2005 Martin Dosh of Dosh, began playing with Bird so as to add percussion and keyboards. I had been a fan of Dosh prior this collaboration, so it was an exiting addition for me to witness.

I found it appropriate that Bird landed onto The Muppets soundtrack being that he was also featured on the September 2001, The Green Album.

The Green Album features some of The Muppet's most memorable and favored songs. Bird sings the wildly popular Bein' Green.

To save you the effort of scrambling to find a taste of Mr. Bird's music, I am posting a video for you here. Here is the lovely Andrew Bird with Dosh Martin on drums.


"Nervous Tic Motion of the Head to the Left" - Andrew Bird - Live at Bonnaroo -   June 16, 2006 - Manchester, TN

For more information about Andrew Bird, visit the official website, here.

Seychelles Shoes in The Muppets Movie!

Today as I was watching the new film, The Muppets Movie I noticed something. No, not just the Muppets. Immediately, I noticed Amy Adams's character wearing the Seychelles Jig Shoe. I am a big fan of Seychelles shoes and to be honest the Jig Shoe is not my favorite. When they were available I didn't purchase them for myself. Even so, I was excited to see them on screen.

(source)
Here she wears the shoes in Whiskey.

Hate to disappoint, but if you are looking to buy these shoes you are out of luck. Well, for the most part. The shoes are no longer sold on the Seychelles website. If you're interested you can trot on over to Amazon.com but they are only sold in size 7.5 and size 9. And both are U.S. sizes. Yes, I did the research for you. If you're interested in taking a gander, click here.

The reason I adore Seychelles so much is that they sell vintage style heels. Many of their choices have a contemporary twist which sometimes is disappointing. I prefer a more traditional 1940s heel. If you are interested in strict contemporary looks, Seychelles does sell current era heels, flats, and boots.

Below are some of the Seychelles heels that I have purchased over the years. As far as I know these are no longer for sale.

All Dressed Up T- Strap in Teal

To be honest I'm not sure the name of this shoe. Sorry!

Countdown T-Strap Pump in Whiskey

Pot of Gold Shoe in Tau

  
Watching the Clock Shoe Peep Toe Pump in Black

Watching the Clock Peep Toe Pump in Mushroom

Peacock Peeptoe Pump in Black

Sense of Humor Shoe in Grey

To learn more about Seychelles Footwear, visit the official website, here.

Pumpkin what?

(source)

Pepper Spray

How dangerous is pepper spray? If you've read about the police officer who pepper sprayed non-violent protesters at the UC Davis campus then you know how relevant this question is. If you know nothing about this story, read my post, UC Davis Police Officer Lt. John Pike pepper sprayes peaceful protesting students at close range. Call him!

Photograph: Wayne Tilcock/AP

Thanks to Martin Robbins article post on The Guardian, we can all be a little more informed as to the dangers of pepper spray. Robbins provides us with information straight from The Department of Justice (pdf format).

The main ingredient in pepper spray is Capsaicin. According to Deborah Blum from The Scientific American, "it’s literally derived from pepper chemistry, the compounds that make habaneros so much more formidable than the comparatively wimpy bells. Those compounds are called capsaicins and – in fact –pepper spray is more formally called Oleoresin Capsicum or OC Spray."

Pepper spray can cause temporary blindness, frustrated breathing, and in some cases it is fatal.

At this point and time we don't know very much about Lt. John Pike. I'm curious as to how he feels now that he is the center of so much attention. Pike sprayed those students with the straightest of faces. I can only hope that he feels true remorse and not because he is now famous.

Pepper spray has been used ever so frequently since the beginning of the Occupy Wall Street protests.

It's been considered more benign than being beaten with clubs but I assume those who have been victims of pepper spraying, can attest to its harms and violation. We've seen via YouTube and Newspaper that police forces are using pepper spray far too liberally. I have little faith that police officers are simply attempting to do their job. I do not believe that they are striving to keep the peace. I think they are angry. Why? Can we ever really know?

Each individual has their own political world view. Perhaps some of these officers oppose the politics of the protesters, perhaps they feel so inconvenienced by the volume and presence of the protesers that they feel it is appopriate to unleash. Perhaps they are drunken with power.

We need to be exposed to some sort of public panel discussion. We our police force to stop hiding after they have done so much damage. They seem to be so brave with their weapons but cowardly without them. Face us! Explain your actions.

Perhaps I'm too cynical; but if anything changes behind the scenes, be it increase saftey trainings, or private conferences -- my guess is that the motivation will be to remove the police department from the radar. In other words, I don't know if anyone truly cares. Enough with the public apologies, just STOP.

Yeah, me neither..

Tiramisu Cupcake by Brown Eyed Baker

By blogger Brown Eyed Baker

Cherry Almond Cupcakes by Sweet Peaks Cupcakery

From Estes Park, Colorado bakery Sweet Peaks Cupcakery.

Sweet Peaks Cupcakery
370 East Elkhorn Ave.
Estes Park, CO 80517

Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes by Sweet Peaks Cupcakery

From Estes Park, Colorado bakery Sweet Peaks Cupcakery

Sweet Peaks Cupcakery
370 East Elkhorn Ave.
Estes Park, CO 80517