Every time I go to the thrift store, I’m struck by the countless handmade crocheted items there. But when I went yesterday, it seemed like there were so much more than usual. Maybe I’m more cognizant than normal because it’s the Christmas season, and I’m feverishly trying to complete gifts for my family. When I was pawing through the sweaters, I found quite a few crocheted garments. Actual, wearable tops. I wanted to buy up every one of them so I could prove to their makers that all that effort, all that increasing, decreasing, and gauge-checking, wasn’t in vain.

Don’t get me wrong. They were all pretty ugly. But I know the time it takes to make these things and I can’t bear the thought that, one day, the things I make might end up at Volunteers of America with a 99 cent tag stapled to it. This is probably true with every crocheter or knitter. No one wants to think that they things they’ve poured their hearts into would be unwanted.

On the same topic, I read an article in this month’s Craft magazine by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee that was really enlightening. She points out that some people just don’t get all jazzed up about getting a handmade gift. And she is well-acquainted with the frenzied holiday furor that every crafter launches into, trying to get all the gifts done in time. So Stephanie suggests that for those people who aren’t “knit-worthy”, and it’s up to you to decide who they are, don’t make them something. Don’t waste your time and instead focus on those that will appreciate it.

I find this very interesting and humbling. It also makes a lot of sense if you don’t want to stumble across one of your items at the Goodwill.

Awwww. I, along with countless other Americans, ate too much today. And it was nice. We went to the Moms’ house and had a feastival. We had mashed potatoes and yams, cornbread stuffing, mushroom gravy, squash with succotash, zucchini bread, pumpkin bread, tofurky, field roast, french onion soup, biscuits, brussell sprouts, cranberry sauce,and vanilla cake with chocolate icing. Yeah!!!!!!!!!

The best song writer in the last twenty years.

Don’t let Elliot’s memory fade.
An amazing man.
One of my favorite Lennon songs
Acoustic Son of Sam.
Amity, with more passion than you and I will ever have.
Fast version of Ballad of Big Nothing.

She’ll probably yell at me for this one…

This is how Lucy sleeps with us. She always tries to steal pillows. Notice the Lucy drool.

Here’s a rant. Was going to send it to the OVCX but I dont’ think it’s worth it. I’ll post it here for shits and giggles.

Sandbaggers kill the sport and I’ll tell you why.

It’s not about me, it’s not about my results. It’s not about training harder. I raced one race this year and got second from last place. I had fun. Sandbaggers take away from the sport because they rob the racers of a good race. It’s not fair to any of the other racers in that field. There’s two main points.

But first lets define a sandbagger.
Someone who defeats the other racers handily.
Someone who comes in a minute ahead of second place in a 30-45 minute race.
Someone who has won 2-3 races early in the season and still continues to race in the same category under the excuse ‘going for the overall.’

1. They steal a good race. Racers want healthy competition against similar condition/experienced athletes. The point isn’t to ‘train harder to beat the sandbagger’. The point is to train harder to improve yourself, to become a better person. To push yourself mentally and physically beyond what you thought you could. Sandbaggers detract from this goal and make it painfully obvious to everyone that winning (for the sandbagger) takes precedence over sportsmanship and fairness.

If we play the ‘train harder’ card then doesn’t it make sense to only have one race? and one winner? Whoever wins is the winner. Everyone else should just train harder.

2. It kills the sport. Sandbaggers have a different mentality from other racers. It’s suddenly not about sportsmanship and fun racing. It’s about winning. Racing cross should be about the day. It’s about cheering for other racers, about enjoying the festivities, and trying your hardest for 2nd place or 18th place. It’s about cheering for the kids race, the juniors and the elites. Fun bike races suddenly becomes a ‘dudefests’ and cyclocross turns into a negative racing scene where no one but 30-40 year old white old men show up to pound their chests.

Rant over. Thanks for reading.
this is for Angelique.

this is for the gamers.

Today was good. We went to Whole World for brunch. The vegetable hash was really yummy and salty today. After that we went to Tiny Canary and spent a lot of money that we both should not have…but are glad we did. At some point, I’ll take some photos of what we bought. Then there was a lot of lazing about, watching a movie about Jonestown and stuff. Then, In the Mood for Love came on the Sundance channel, and I was transfixed for an hour and a half.

I have wanted to see that movie (geez it came out 8 years ago) and never did. This movie is set in Hong Kong in 1962. Andy said to me, “Is there anything about this movie that you don’t like?” Why would you say that, honey? Would it be the Marimekko wallpaper, the jadeite cups, Maggie Cheung’s rockin’ cheongsams? Yes, yes, yes.

Got to chill with the lady all morning. I love just laying around on Saturdays with her. I painted and she crocheted all morning. A perfect start. Got into the shop around 1 to get ready for my TWO! appointments. Busy day for me.

Here’s the first. Done on Jason. An arm band in Hebrew that says ‘This too shall pass.’ An old folklore story about King Salamon. Good stuff.

Next up was a mask I created on Phil. It was a good challenge. I tried to add a few different blues in the face but you can barely see them. I think it will heal with a little more contrast. Good fun. It’s on his shoulder blade.

He had a few moles and I had to avoid them, since it’s very dangerous to tattoo on moles.

It took longer then I thought and we got to mom’s birthday party LATE! Sorry mom! It was at my favorite bar, Tip Top! Angelique and I both ordered the same thing, vegan roast beef with onion marmalade. Nice! And then the family got goofy, talked and joked around. Good stuff.
A good day.

I started my morning drive on the right foot…listening to the Craftypod podcast. I’m a little behind on my podcasts, but the one I listened to today was about marketing your craft, and the special guest was none other than Jennifer Perkins, who has a totally engaging personality. I love Craftypod. But it reminds me that there is so much “crafty goodness” on these internets. It’s hard to keep up with it…which is a good problem to have.
This is beautiful, in so many ways. Viva crochet!

Speaking of crafts, I’m really excited for the Tiny Canary craft fair this weekend. I think I might drag Andy to it. Woo!

I got to tattoo Mason again last night. This time it was my own creation. A bird I drew a few weeks earlier. It turned out pretty good but its an uphill battle. I must say I’m struggling. This is the hardest road I’ve been on. I can’t write how challenging this is. I can’t put into words how amazing, interesting and overwhelming this is. I love it and I know I’m improving but I’ve got to stay positive and keep moving forward. It’s not something you conquer in 3 or 4 tries. It’s not something you master in a week. I didn’t believe it at first. I’ve heard that song and dance before but I was always a fast learner. Well, let me tell you. This is tough. My legs keep getting pulled from under me. I land on my face daily but I have to pick myself up, dust off that bloody nose and get back to it. Ready to fight another day…

Here’s number 13 (1st session). (2nd will be color everywhere):

Wow. Keith Olberman throwing it down for the Book of Love. Right on the money.

Last night was number 12.  A tattoo based on the movie Princess Mononoke. In it the lead character, Ashitaka gets a curse from a demon boar. The curse starts on his arm and slowly engulfs his entire body. And here’s my rendition of the curse that appeared on his arm. Pretty straight forward. Learned a lot and got great practice. Thanks! Tawd treated me to some sweet dinner after I hacked on his arm. And be sure to check out Tawd’s vegan hot dog stand! HELL YEAH. Rad Dog saves the day!

Amen, brother. Amen.
Amen, brother. Amen. Part 2