No I’m not talking about Nike. I’m talking about a choice. I have decided now is the time to put plans and ideas into action. The dreamboat has succeeded in pounding into my brain what seems to be common knowledge to most, but is so hard for me to put into practice. “If you want things to change, to get somewhere, or to be someone; you have to DO something, GO somewhere, and BE someone.” How simple is that?

I get bummed because my art isn’t getting better, because I’m not finding a job, or because of this or that. The solution to most of my problems is always a simple one. Do something about it, and when doing said thing do it until it’s complete. If I want to feel more accomplished and proud of my art, I have to do more art. Better at writing? Write! Go back to school? Get my portfolio together, apply for scholarships and go back. It’s amazing; I feel the power! Haha. If you’re in a slump I suggest trying it. I’ve been working on this mind set for about a month or two now and I’m feeling much better about life. It’s also a great way to start out the new year. Really, try it!

Photo credit goes to the dreamboat, Jared Zimmerman.

I’m running out of time! At least thats how I feel. I have a little under a year to get these goals finished. I want to have that feeling of accomplishment come December 8th of next year, so I’m “kicking it up a notch!” I’ve decided to focus on 5 goals right now, those goals being:

1. Memorize the Bill of Rights – for this one I have to be able to actually talk about it intelligently with someone and know when rights are being violated and why

2. Do 30 crunches and 10 push ups a day for 30 days

3. Complete portfolio – I’m working towards this. I want to have two things 100% complete by the 11th of January

4. Go to 3 farmers markets, with the intent of buying edibles

5. Post something on Craftster.org

It’s only 5 things and I have a month in which to do them. I can do this!

This past weekend was full of winter parties and fun get togethers, one of them being the ReadyMade holiday ball & bazaar, which was held at the not too shabby Verdi Club in Potrero Hill. There were a lot of insanely talented artists and crafters out there selling their wares, and showing off where a little ingenuity and a lot creativity can get you.

My favorite creator of the night was the lovely and personable Jocelyn Nguyen of Nous Savons. This little lady makes beautiful headbands; sadly there aren’t any in her shop right now, but trust me, they’re awesome. Embellished with feathers and other lady like materials, they’re ultra feminine and an eye catching conversation starter; a great gift for the girly girl in you, or someone you love. She also has some beautiful nature inspired jewelry. Be sure to check out the Deer Heart Pin and the Black Forest Necklace, two of my personal faves. No, I can’t wear the deer pin, due to the veggie no leather thing, but it’s beautiful just the same.

Since I’m on the topic of wearables and adornments let me say that I love buttons, and Nancy Palmer, owner of Mumblepeg has them in quirky but beautiful jewelry form! Her button bracelets feature an interesting array of vintage buttons and come in bold and daring colors. Easily dressed up or down, they’re great for all day, any occasion wear. I dig her website too. I’ve always been a sucker for scanned in elements.

The dreamboat, who was my date of course, took a liking to some wonderful wonderful prints, created by b green design. Their beautiful prints feature trees in their various stages of life throughout the year and are screen printed onto wooden “boxes”. An added bonus is the good they do. For every item sold, they plant 50 trees through Trees for the Future. While typing this I realized it seems counter intuitive, to make a product out of wood, yet want to save trees. I can only assume that the wood they’re using is sustainable and the most eco friendly option. I also assume they plant far more trees than they use. Their website isn’t completely finished yet, but I’m sure that question will be answered for me once it is. Until then, they still have marvelous artwork, you get a rockin’ tote if you buy a piece of their art, and we most certainly all benefit from the planting of more trees. Go trees!

Now for the good part of Thanksgiving; yes it’s a bit late, but I can’t mention the sad parts without talking about the good parts.

Thanks giving with the Zimmerman’s was fun and chocked full of tasty dishes, tons of desserts, a cold I’ve never experienced, and more family than I’ve ever seen in one house, ever.

The dreamboat’s whole family is beyond sweet. They already knew a bit about me when I got there; and they were all very huggy and did their best to make me feel like I would, indeed, soon be part of the family. I can’t remember exactly how many people I met, but it went something like this:

Mothers : 1
Mimis: 1
Aunts: 3
Uncles: 2
Great Aunts: 1
Great Uncles: 1
Cousins: 17
Best friends Family: 4

I may be missing some people, but that was more people than I am prepared to meet at most given times, so I think that’s ok, hehe.

The ladies of the household did most of the cooking, and good god, it was amazing! I’d have to say my favorites were his mom’s homemade macaroni and cheese; tender tubes of pasta, a cream sauce and gobs upon gobs of cheese, made in the oven of course, and his Aunt Patty’s veggie cabbage rolls which were full of Soyrizo, cabbage and carrots. Yum! The dreamboat and I also made pretty delicious Ghirardelli Chocolate brownies with cream cheese icing. The strangest dessert would probably go to his moms Buttermilk & Lime Pie. The dreamboat said it taste good, but all agreed the texture was crazy. I didn’t try it; I, sadly, am not that adventurous.

While we were there we also went to see some old cars, went to a couple rusty nick knack shops, went to the Tyler Rose Gardens and Museum (in the rain and at 30 something degrees in a skirt and light jacket! I’ve never been so cold) and braved Best Buy on Black Friday (just to see how crowded it was, we didn’t buy anything). We also went for drinks a couple nights with his best friend. Smith County is a dry county so it was all sports bars and restaurants, but it was ok, we had great company. How thankful I am for the no smoking in public restaurants and bars law here in California. I forgot how gross it is to come out of a bar smelling of stale smoke. Even when I did smoke, I would never smoke indoors. Ew.