Mustangs in Mexico

I'm still working through M0rt issues and had school tonight. I spent the time I would normally use for tangling or crafting emailing Craftwell customer service about M0rt.

M0rt shouldn't need a new blade every 2-3 pieces of paper (which had ultimately been my solution for the problems I've been having).

Craftwell tried telling me it is likely my file. No, it not likely my file. I sent them the simplest part of the whole project (a circle with a line from center to one edge) to test. I have simplified much of the design I have been working with when I noticed that M0rt wasn't going to be able to cut teeny, tiny circles. The skulls are not too small, or even that delicate.

We'll see what they have to say.

Considering my observation about how differently MTC behaves on a 64 bit v 32 bit operating system, perhaps there is some sort of issue with eCraftshop Pro. Tomorrow night I will do some more testing using Lappy.

I came to a realization today. I miss helping people. In any capacity. I guess if I really try to sell it, I help people make educated decisions on furniture by providing them with detailed information. Or something to that effect.

My mother-in-law told my husband last night that the kids wanted to know if I was coming for Halloween in my witch costume. (I scared a few kids last year (: ) It did make me realize I miss helping people. Whether it's kids learning or, hell, even working at human services, I feel better when I am helping others.

It really reinforced my plan to finish my Art Education degree and get my LCSW.

On another note, my Ancient Latin American Art and Architecture instructor (I'm not calling him ancient, the class is pre-colombian) finally gave a coherent lecture. We're more than half way through the semester. Most of his lectures are some rambling about some dig he went on and a lot of him pronouncing Spanish words that are so accented, it's hard to make sense of them.

Tonight he used the Ford Mustang as an illustration for stylistic seriation. It made sense. Though most of the class was very unfamiliar a 1964 1/2 Mustang, which was the jumping off point. As soon as we stopped talking about cars, it was right back to rambling.

I had some sort of profound thought I had wanted to share, but totally forgot it. What seemed profound at the time obviously wasn't.

Makes the Cut(?)

I'm starting another Skull tonight and I am BEYOND frustrated.

I loved Makes the Cut the first day I used it. It was perfect. It wasn't throwing the paper around the way that eCraftshop Pro does. I got clean cuts the first time.

But that was the first day. Ever since then, I have been getting random error messages when making the cuts. It may occur in the first 5% of the the entire cut path or it may occur at 95% complete. I can't tell you how much paper I've wasted when it gets part way through a cut and stops.

In reading through MTC forums, it appears to be a problem that has been ongoing for at least 2 years with the eCraft plugin. People have reached out over and over trying to get help but have basically been told to kick rocks and that it must be their computer.

Well, I just spent an hour and a half cleaning my registries, uninstalling and reinstalling, making sure that drivers were up to date, etc. I got one clean cut and then got the same error message 10% into the cut on the paper I wanted to use for piece 3 of this particular assemblage. I tried moving my files from my external hard drive to my desktop (just in case there was some sort of issue with the hard drive communication with the eCraft).

I have requested a refund from MTC. At this point the usability of MTC is so unreliable that I am not willing to throw any more paper at it. It had some features that were great, but in all honesty, those features don't outweigh the wasted paper (and time costs).

I'm running a timer for this assemblage to see how long it will take and at this point I have 3 pieces of paper cut in 2.5 hours. I probably could have cut that by hand faster. I spent 2 hours working through some file issues in Illustrator (which is understandable, but once I get those sorted out my time investment should be minimal for cutting). The part that should be time consuming should be assembling the flowers and hand inking the line work.

In other making stuff news, Justin and Rod worked on casting in brass this week while I was at work. (all the good stuff happens while I'm at work). My head is spinning with ideas for things to make and I can't really prioritize what I want to do.

I'm still making sure I spend at least an hour a day on something creative (except last night - went to bed early and had the best night's sleep all week. Friday night seems to be my best sleep night). I was going to tangle last night, but Justin wanted to go to bed early. He didn't feel well and apparently got up and was quite sick in the middle of the night. I didn't even realize he got up, that's how deep in sleep I was!

Zentangle.......

But I'm really not sure what day to call it. I think it would be #38 based upon the sequence from when I was doing it daily. While I haven't been doing a tangle daily, I have been "making" daily. "Time Goes By" took quite a few days of work and layout to get it all assembled and framed.

We also went to the Elder Gnome's home to do some metal casting. That was pretty rad and a few more crucibles have been obtained. Which means more metal types. Which means brass. I need to figure out some modeling software and make something for my gramps. Every time I see brass, I think of him. Before his hands (and head) started bothering him a lot, he spent a lot of time buffing brass. Every time we include antique brass items in a collection at work, I think of my gramps! He should have been buying up used brass and selling it on Etsy! We sell so much brass (and throw pillows, which I still don't get the point of).

I did tangle today. I went in to work late so I could help Justin with some additional rack installation and got home around 8. I did some yoga (I highly recommend myyogaworks.com for home practice - there's a lot of variety and it costs less than drop in at a single class!).

I had a thought recently about homeless people. Perhaps they are so fried in part due to dehydration (it can make you pretty weird). They are often wearing 5-6 layers of clothes, they drink mostly alcohol (I've never seen a bum drink a bottle of water) and they are exposed to the elements all the time. Something to think about.

Time for bed.

365 Days of Zentangles - Day 37

Day 37! I did it. And a bunch of other stuff this weekend too. I swear sleep was what I needed. It was the first weekend I didn't feel stressed about work, which made my weekend that much better.

I battled ants yesterday in the garden. I tried to make muffins (fail). I succeeded in making tiny pumpkin pies. I doubled down on the tangles yesterday. I did something else but am not entirely certain what it was.

Today I got up and did yoga for an hour. I made coffee. I sat on the porch and drank said coffee while reviewing for my Contemporary Art midterm that is tomorrow night. I made a slideshow of all the pieces I may be tested on for that class (not sure why people make flashcards anymore, putting together a slide show is much more efficient). Started this project:

I've had this vision in my head for a couple of weeks now. When it is finished, I am going to mount it in a shadowbox frame.

This is where I got today:

I'm using M0rt for this project. I read a lot of people's complaints on the forums over at Craftwell. "it's not mat free. You have to use something." "It's ripping my paper." "It doesn't work right" "I should have kept my Cricut"

Having used a Cricut for work and having used M0rt, I have to say I like the e-craft (M0rt) more than the Cricut.

First things first, the cutting mats. e-craft is a "matless" cutting system, meaning it doesn't require consumable sticky mats that are a proprietary design and you don't need to buy a new one every couple of projects. Cost aside (they range from $7-$12/ea), they stink. They have an odor I cannot stand. It's repulsive. If I had to smell that every time I wanted to make anything, I'd get rid of the machine. Paper stick to the mats horrendously (I ended up losing a large number of cuts to the mat alone). Hair sticks to the mats. Dust sticks to the mats. It's gross.

The e-craft (M0rt) is matless in the sense it doesn't require a sticky mat. Some materials will need a "carrier" though. Light weight paper, fabric, cellophane, things like that will need a "carrier". What's a "carrier" and how is that different than a mat? The carrier can be anything that is thicker and sturdier than the paper in question. When I need a carrier, I just use the chipboard or lightweight cardboard from the back of a paper stack with a bit of Scotch "blue" tape (removable tape) to keep the edges down. I'm re-purposing materials, which is a big part of LaserGnomes.

I have to say that both M0rt and the Cricut actually aren't that rad for cutting really detailed pieces. Both end up having a bit of blade drag (which I have observed a way around, but can't exactly figure out what the eCraftShop Pro does to calculate a cut path). That being said, as frustrating and wasteful as it sounds, you ultimately need to have a new blade every 5 sheets of paper or so. In one of my art classes, we were told to use a new x-acto blade for EVERY CUT in order to attain the best results and cleanest cuts possible. Mind you, we were masking areas off with frisket for renderings and that takes a ton of cuts. This is the equivalent of that.

Cricut blades are about $10 for a 2 pack, whereas e-Craft blades are $22 for a 20 pack. This makes switching blades out a lot less painful.

There are some other reasons I really love M0rt that I will get into another day. It seems like a lot of the people who complain that it's not a Cricut are people who just want to push a button and choose from predetermined designs. Not how I want to craft, but hey, to each their own, right?

365 Days of Zentangles - Day 34

Day 34. I managed to work 12 hours today, go to dinner, go to the grocery store (dinner/grocery store w/ the husband!), started the beef jerky, did my tangle, did some dishes.

Trying out a new idea for beef jerky. I haven't been making it nearly as often (I think only 1 time) since giving up soy. The only commercially available jerky I can eat as of now is Kirkland Steak Strips (which are delicious, but I'd rather make my own). Tonight's marinade involved coconut aminos, fish sauce, and a secret ingredient. Once I actually taste the jerky I'll reveal the secret ingredient.

One of my co-workers commented on the fact I was eating a homemade breakfast (my "no"tmeal made from chia, sunflower seeds and coconut) and that I always bring my lunch. She wanted to know how I had time to do all that with work and school. Making good food doesn't always take a ton of time. It's a matter of planning. There are some days I can have dinner done in 20 minutes if I've given it forethought and spent a bit of time prepping on Sunday.

Day 33. We tried Pica Pica today. It was AWESOME! Venezuelan food. 100% gluten free. Nothing to worry about on that particular food. I even managed to avoid the corn! We got yucca fries and nachos made with taro chips...... and delicious crispy chicken... So full. Super gut bomb in a way I haven't had in forever!

Got a call today about the Bristol Hospice annual memorial service at the Rudolph Steiner college. I have a midterm that night but I've emailed my professor to see if I can make other arrangements. If that happens I'm taking the day off and going. It will be good to see some of the people who made a huge difference in our lives. It's weird to think Jesse's been gone for almost 3 years now. Some days it feels like just yesterday he was yelling at me about my scarves and trying to be Stevie Nicks (I was not trying to be Stevie Nicks, I just had found some rad scarves). He'd be dying now if he saw my mocs (or the sweet ass boots I'm getting ready to order).

Sometimes it's weird to think of using that phrase. "he'd just die" about someone who's passed. But really, he'd mock me to no end. Sometimes it's weird not having him around to mock my hippie ways (and I'm way more of a hippie now than I was 3 years ago).

365 Days of Zentangles - Day 31

I've had skulls on my mind all day. I have this brilliant project I want to do but I have school on Monday and Tuesday and I need to study for midterms next week. BLAH BLAH BLAH. so mad.

This is my collection of black pens (I think there are about 20 pictured). And this isn't even all of them. I have more. I have a really great set of Rapidographs ($200 for  set of 5 pens? Yes. But they are refillable. And you can buy new nibs). I got them during my drafting class. Microns were recommended but seriously, they didn't get the job done for that class. Construction lines ultimately need to be hairline and even the finest Micron could get it right.

Of course, I go look up that same pen set now on Utrecht and it's on sale for $89. If you draw, get this. If you need a gift idea for me. Get this. I'll be honest, I'm really trying to run out all of my black pens. This project should be perfect for it.

Oh and where was this set when I was 12 and OBSESSED with calligraphy?

Oh, my amazon subscribe and save shipments arrived today. That means pie can happen this weekend. I've got sunflower seeds and arrowroot powder (oh and coconut milk, shredded coconut and coconut flour).

365 Days of Zentangles - Day 29

Day 29. I went for a drive. Justin had to go to a client's in Sonoma today, so I went with him and drove to the coast. I got coffee at my most favorite coffee shop. I got stuck behind tons of cyclists (apparently the Levi's Gran Fondo was going on today.

I drove through Sebastapol. It made it feel like fall for me. There were orchards filled with apples. Pumpkins everywhere. Sometimes I miss that about Placerville. I miss the apples (though they are quickly being replaced by grapes).

I thought I had less time than I actually had (Justin was working longer than planned), so I didn't get any apples. I really want to make an apple pie using the rad sunflower seed crust I came up with. Perhaps I will get some Placerville apples at the farmers market tomorrow.

365 Days of Zentangles - Day 28

here is the culmination of a 7 day tangle. I still feel like it's missing something, but I really was trying not to overthink it. It was kind of defeating the purpose of the whole project. Really, doing a 7 day project seems to defeat the purpose of going where the tangle takes you. It gives you too much time to think about placement, layout, etc.

Chloe and James Van Der Beek said on The B in Apartment 23 "go where the bender takes you". I'm not advocating benders by any means, but sometimes it's important to stop thinking and planning and just go with it. Wherever it takes you. I think, at least for this project, that means keeping to the small scale of 3x3 squares. That way I can go where the tangle takes me.

Oh, if you didn't watch The B in Apartment 23, you are missing out. I wasn't sold on it at first, but ended up loving it.

365 Days of Zentangles - Day 27

Day 27 (day 6 of my 7 day tangle).

I don't know if it will be completed by day 7. Here I was thinking it may not take a full week to fill an entire page, but there's still a lot of white left on day 6.

I'm super ready for the weekend. It has been a long 2 weeks. I want to sleep in. I want to bake an apple pie. I want to play with M0rt. I want to bask with my dog. I think a massage is in order.

I cut the crap out of my thumb last night. It doesn't hurt as much now and I managed to put up more privacy film with a jacked up thumb (I thought ahead and brought gloves to keep the windex and film application solution from getting to my thumb).

365 Days of Zantangles - Day 26

I ended up tearing down part of the privacy screen I put up yesterday at work. It didn't take nearly as long as putting it up, but it was a rather involved process. As flimsy as the stuff is going on, it's a beast to take down. I spend the afternoon scraping adhesive from glass.

I wonder if I subconsciously cut my finger while making dinner so I had an excuse not to keep working on it tomorrow. I do have to say though, doing that is far more relaxing and straightforward than a lot of the other stuff I have to do.

It's been a long week and it's only Wednesday.

365 Days of Zentangles - Day 25

I really like the "wormy" bits.

Day 25. I find that I really appreciate the routine of doing this. I also need to appreciate the routine of a regular yoga practice again.

It was a ridiculously long day of applying privacy film to windows at work today. But, in a weird way, it was probably the most relaxed I've felt at work since starting there. The front windows (all new and not crappy) turned out wonderfully. The back windows (all old and chicken wire looking not so great. The glass is pitted in some spots and I couldn't get all of the clear silicone off without ruining the seal on the window. Such is life.

Time for bed. Seriously.

365 Days of Zentangles - Day 24

Day 24. I'm exhausted. The office is moving, which means extra work on top of all the other work I have to do.

I have decided to get back into doing yoga. I have to. I have to manage my stress better. While I keep telling myself it's just furniture, I have a hard time not letting the stress get to me. I used to handle stress better. (or I was just less attuned to my body and it's reaction to stress). Stress makes my pain flare up, so it is imperative that I find a way to manage it before I end up back in the same pain-y boat I was on for most of my life.

I also need to be better about taking my turmeric and ginger. I got a bit lazy. Both help, they really do, with inflammation. I also need to make sure I'm getting a massage twice a month.

Crap. Taking care of your self is a lot of work.

365 Days of Zentangles - Day 23

Okay, here's day 2 of the 9x12 tangle project for the week. I'm not sure where it's going but I'm starting to like it.

I had really hoped to play with M0rt this weekend, but didn't get the chance to. Hopefully I will get some stuff done in the next week that I had in mind.

I spent the weekend helping Justin install the network for the office my company is moving to. It's going to be a pretty sweet space (and definitely not as crowded as our current space!) I have found that I still have trouble using a screwdriver (I also still have trouble using scissors), but aside from those two things, my arm/hand is doing pretty well these days.

Justin dislocated his shoulder yesterday but popped it right back in. My shoulder hurt just seeing it, but he seems to totally fine now.

I made some killer biscuits to go with homemade chicken soup for dinner after working all afternoon. While sunflower seeds have a distinct taste, I find that I almost like the results of sunflower flour more than almond (though I haven't had almonds in ages).

365 Days of Zentangles - Day 22

This box of band-aids made me wish I had a paper cut or something (damn being mostly paperless these days! - I have no excuse for cute band-aids).

I've started my multi-day 9x12 zentangle. I know I said I was going to stretch it out to 7 days, but if I finish before that, it's cool. It was more about working outside of the 3x3 square and going larger. Perhaps at some point during this project, I'll go 11x17 or 18x24.

I had a thought today as I was driving home from the vet's office. Homeless people spend a LOT of time laying down. I saw a guy meander about, unfurl his sign and lay down. He then propped his sign against himself. If you are going to panhandle, at least have the energy to hold your damn sign.

Oh, btw, I got accepted into SFSU for spring. I can finish my degree. Yay. Eff you and your retarded tuition AAU.

365 Days of Zentangles - Day 21

It's day 21!

I'm going to do a week long tangle on 9x12 paper starting tomorrow (later today really).

I'm not sure how it's going to turn out, so we'll see. Ground rules are I have to spend at least 45 minutes a day on it.

I just realized I haven't spent all that much time in my garden lately. I need to change that. After I take Pi to the vet in the morning.

We watched The Lone Ranger tonight and all I can say is WTF? First of all, the dude's teeth were WAY too white for the old west. WAY. Secondly, I am pretty sure Johnny Depp thinks he IS Capt. Jack Sparrow. It seems to creep into everything he does these days. It was a weird movie. Though Helena Bonham Carter was a brothel owner with an ivory scrimshaw false leg that contained a gun. That was pretty sweet.

Time for bed.

365 Days of Zentangles - Day 20

I've almost stuck at this for 3 weeks!

I'm currently experimenting with only one pattern per day. I had an idea earlier that I may try for the coming week. Creating a full page tangle of 9x12 paper. I'm not going to do the whole thing in one day. I'll add a bit each day for a week and see what happens.

We're moving offices in less than a week. I've changed rolls at work and I'm responsible for a lot of stuff for the move. It was a long day today (like 11 hours). It's time for bed.

I was watching Hot In Cleveland tonight and WTF Mary Tyler Moore. WTF did you do to your face? One of the episodes I watched tonight had Mary Tyler Moore, Cloris Leachman, Valerie Harper and Georgia Engel in addition to Betty White. All of them had aged fairly gracefully except for Mary. She looked like one of those funky puppets from Team America.

365 Days of Zentangles - Day 19

Day 19. Almost made it through 3 weeks!

I ended up having to go to Emeryville and go to Ikea for work. Ikea is NOT the place you want to go when you are in a hurry. Everyone moves at a snails pace AND nothing is in a logical arrangement (at least not that I can discern).

I attempted to call them to have 6 tables pulled and ready for pick up. Yeah, they don't do that.

Luckily my husband was able to come with me to help. 6 8ft long tables. That's a lot of work. Luckily he was able to help.

365 Days of Zentangles - Day 18

I think as a challenge for this week, each day's zentangle will feature only one pattern and I'll see what happens.

Today was my first day working with the merchant team at work. I have to say I LOVE it. I ultimately wanted to make my way to the merch team from ops, but I didn't think it would happen so fast.

I need to get sunflower seeds and arrowroot powder. I want to try my hand at an apple pie this weekend after the great success of the pumpkin pie.

Dang. Now I'm hungry.

365 Days of Zentangles - Day 17

I did it. I really didn't want to do it. I don't like Monday. It's almost always filled with shit hitting the fan and work and the most ridiculous contemporary art history class.

I'm pretty sure that contemporary art is why people think art is a joke. I'd say almost everything we've studied looks like it was done by a 6 year old and the value is the BS that people pull out of their arses to explain the existential justification of a white canvas. Really, at that point, the art is actually the writing (so often the artist hasn't done anything and we don't acknowledge the craft of the person BSing for the artist).