johnpayne's blog

Superboy WIP

2012-01-13T22:24:00.000-08:00

This is how I do that thing I do:

Simple sketch:

Adding the lines in Photoshop w/ circle tool:

Erasing lines to start forming the figure:

Continuing on with the circles and the erasing:

Pretty much done with the figure:

Quick blocking in of colors:

Hey, add some shadows why don't ya!

Back to the sketch and start thinking about the BG:

Tweak the figure to give more character. In this
case Red around the pupils (heat vision):

Back to the BG and start moving lines to form buildings:

Behind bldgs needs some sky texture:

Blend building and sky:

Add back my figure:

...and the FINALE! VIOLA.

Teeny Titans, Part 11

2012-01-01T22:11:00.000-08:00

Red Star

Wendy & Marvin

Red Hood (Jason Todd)

Pantha

Rudy

2011-12-15T12:33:00.000-08:00

Rudy says, "Merry Christmas, y'all"!

Let's Make A Headboard!

2011-11-07T12:38:00.000-08:00

Last summer I went exploring in the barn and underneath a pile of debris I found an old window frame. It was literally screaming to be re-purposed in some way and after playing with a few different ideas over a couple of months time I finally decided it needed to be in the guest room as a headboard.

I had no idea how to accomplish this but decided the only way to figure it out was to dive right in. A hand saw, sandpaper, a pail of extra paint and some determination is all it took. Of course I took pics along the way! :)

This was the frame as found:

First thing I did was to measure the correct height and then cut off the bottom.

I then spent a few days chipping along the panes removing the window putty and the tiny nails that held the glass in place.

I sanded and scraped and pulled and sanded again until all the edges were smooth characters. Then I primed it with an off white.

Originally I wanted to add something more decorative into the open panes, maybe even fabric. But for now I just made some simple panels out of extra flooring I had. I can always go back to this step and switch things up fairly easily.

Here it is with the panels added and the entire thing primed again.

All that was left was to paint the bad boy. I was really wanting to go a bright green or a crazy sunflower yellow - something wild like that. But I was in a hurry to put it up and all I had was a chocolate espresso brown. I am fine with the color but seeing as how it was an experiment anyway it really should be more bold. Ah, well. There's always later.

And finally on the bed.

It was a fun and easy project. Next time I would like to go a bit bolder and add molding, etc to really up the ante. But it was a great first attempt. It is always very rewarding to visualize something and make it happen!

Teeny Titans, Part 10

2011-11-05T18:32:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted these lil' comic book friends in awhile. Here's a few more from my ever growing collection.

Baby Wildebeest

Supergirl

Mirage

Professor Pyg, updated

2011-10-27T07:59:00.000-07:00

Halloween time again. I always have such big plans for Halloween and then either because I wait too long or because my costume never works out I usually end up bailing on our plans and sit at home watching scary movies. NOT THIS YEAR! My friends, Zach and Leann (who always do such great costumes) are going as Penguin and Catwoman so the rest of us decided to follow their lead and make ourselves into Batman Villains! This was something I could really get excited about! I chose a relatively new character for my costume, Professor Pyg. He's psychotic and deranged and makes an awesome visual!

As usual, it turned into a fairly large undertaking but luckily I started early enough!

I found this mask at Wal Mart for about $5 to use as my base:

I cut off the lower face & chin, created ears from wire I had laying about, made a pig nose and enhanced the cheeks and brows out of molding clay. Finally I taped it all off with painters tape:

...trying it on for size and drama!

I then papier-mâché'd the whole thing to give it more stability:

After sanding down the rough edges it was prepped and ready for paint:

I painted it pink (of course)...

...and immediately hated it. Too pink and the texture was really awful. After researching online I discovered a good "smoother" was artist gesso - which I happen to have abundance of - so I gesso'd a few layers (lightly sanding between layers to buff it out):

Finally I was ready to try painting again. I mixed pink/white but this time added a bit of yellow and bloop of green to get a more realistic 'pig' color. I used a darker version of the pink to make the brows and frown lines stand out and also to sink the eye holes in a bit, trying to make it look as menacing as possible.

I spent a bit more time blending in the darker areas and and adding to the nostrils. End result:

...and finally me in my full costume:

Too much fun!

From the Art Table

2011-10-14T10:05:00.001-07:00

I haven't been painting very much lately, summer and all. I finally got my studio room all set up and now that the rains are back I decided to force myself to sit down at least an hour day and work on some things that have been bouncing around in my brain.

I watched Barbarella (for the 100th time?) recently and thought it might be fun to take my style of whimsical women and interpret them into campy space vixens. Here is my first WIP!

Donna of Troy

2011-08-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

DC comics is "rebooting" next month and I am super excited. All new # 1's and reworking, revamping, cleaning up, etc of years of back story.. yadda yadda. It is really a brave and impressive move. HOWEVER, they have apparently decided to shelf one of my all time favorite characters, Donna Troy - the original Wonder Girl. I can't say I blame them as she is super confusing but just throwing her away seems...lazy. In order to appease my demons I decided to mock up a cover for an ongoing title. Hopefully this will satisfy my fanboy dreams! *sniff

Floor Makeover

2011-08-08T10:17:00.000-07:00

Since the days have gotten warmer my living room carpet has gotten stinkier. Apparently the prior tenants didn't believe in litter boxes or outside cats. GROSS. It got so bad I wouldn't even sit in the living room. I tried steam cleaning, spot cleaning, professional cleaning, super strong (expensive) sprays, home remedies, etc. I even tried covering with room deodorizers. Finally I woke up one morning and ripped the shit out. I was hoping for hard wood underneath and after scraping soaked padding off the floor and scooting around on my butt pulling up thousands of staples, tac boards and awful linoleum I found it. HOWEVER, there is no sub floor. It was bare ground and then hardwood. I don't think that would hold heat very well in the winter so after long talks we decided on insulated padding under laminate flooring. Man, this one day project turned into almost a 3 week ordeal . . .and remember, WE RENT. Good grief.

Tsunami Dreams

2011-07-17T22:03:00.001-07:00

I have been having tsunami dreams lately: San Diego, Seaside, Seattle... usually me looking out over a downtown area while the waves crash and I watch (calmly) as the water rushes towards me.

According to Carl Jung, a tsunami dream is very significant. It is one of those great “archetypal” dreams, meaning symbols which are universal across all cultures. A tsunami is supposed to be a symbol of some great spiritual change, the washing away of the old and the beginnings of new growth.

I also found a useful entry on a dream site about tsunami's:

“Since water in dreams often symbolises our emotions, tsunamis generally represent repressed emotions which can no longer be held back, or an emotional situation which is about to burst into the waking world.”

She says the common response to a tsunami dream is for a dreamer to run away from the tsunami. It is interesting that in none of the dreams do I feel scared or panicked. I stand there calmly and almost detached, expectantly awaiting the water.

I am not sure what it is that will be "washed away" but I would be interested to hear back from any of you who’ve had a tsunami dream to see what changes occurred in you life.

Blank

2011-06-18T14:30:00.000-07:00

Blank canvases are so inspiring! I like to hang them up and let them talk to me. I wonder what this one will say?

With photoshop made card. Hmmmmmm.

2011-06-17T15:31:00.000-07:00

I made this card for my good pal who turned 40 this week. HBD, Rod!

Teeny Titans, Part 9

2011-05-29T11:26:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite comic book runs of all time, The Teen Titans, gets a light hearted treatment from me! I have been working on these during my downtime for the last 12+ months and I have almost every single Titan character ever published. They're all created entirely in Photoshop using almost nothing but the circle tool. I'll post them here and there over time.

Flame Bird

Kid Devil

Damage

Argent

Processesion of the Poppy

2011-05-21T17:32:00.001-07:00

I have been watching these weird, fuzzy pod things grow in a patch out behind the Honeymoon House for a few weeks now. At first I thought they were weeds and didn't give them much thought...

A few days later I began to notice a few were splitting open with a bright red orange color poking through. That's when I got my camera to see what would happen next!

To my joy I discovered a beautiful orange flower had blossomed... but being an uneducated flower person I still had no idea what they were.

I finally grabbed Tony to show him the flowers and he educated me on all things poppy!

I, of course, had to pick a bunch and along with some other things growing here and there made my first "yard bouquet"!

...as a "bonus" I found this delicate lady twisted and dangling from a very low rosewood branch. I cleaned her up and now she stands guard over my new favorite flower patch.

Spring has definitely sprung here at the farm and I couldn't be happier!
:)

UPDATE: 05/23/11
Poppies do not make good cutting flowers. They wilt in about a day. Leave them in the yard and enjoy them there. Ha!

Pale ol' Body

2011-05-18T06:17:00.000-07:00

Many (many) years ago I hand made my Father a birthday card. With lots of love, squiggly drawn flowers and generous amounts of glitter I painstakingly spelled out "Happy Birthday to my Pal ol' Buddy" - the nickname he always called me. I proudly handed him his card and watched in shock as he burst into laughter. Not understanding why my special card would make him laugh he lovingly showed me that I had spelled the nickname incorrectly. What i actually had written was "Happy Birthday to my Pale ol' Body". Of course that instantly became our new nickname for each other and over the years it graced many birthday cakes, t-shirts, letters and gifts.

I still have the last card he sent me and days like today I like to get it out and look at his hand writing, remember his laugh and just be in his presence - if only for a short moment.

Happy Birthday, Pale ol' Body. I miss you every single day.

Teeny Titans, Part 8

2011-04-20T06:11:00.001-07:00

Speedy

Bumblebee

Captain Marvel Jr.

Bombshell

Teeny Titans, Part 7

2011-03-29T14:44:00.000-07:00

Green Lantern (Kyle Rayner)

Nightwing

Kole

Flash (Wally West)

Daffodils

2011-03-27T16:15:00.000-07:00

Our yard is a daffodil wonderland. There are literally hundreds of little yellow flowers stretched all throughout the back field! This spring has been so cold, wet and sunless I have been suffering from a severe case of the Blah's. These dainty petals of happiness came at just the right time - who can be depressed with these girls sprouting up in every direction you turn?

Casa Pollo

2011-03-19T18:12:00.000-07:00

I bought Tony a new chicken coop today and you'd think I had given him a brand new car he was so excited.

It's pretty a sweet coop. On wheels so we can move it around the yard. Instant fertilizer! Also we added a rain gutter to capture the abundant rain into the watering bucket.

Easy access to the eggs.

Lots of nesting boxes for the ladies and a few long perches for their roosting pleasure.

I also thought I would share some pics of the goat herd:

From left to right: Dusty, Kicks, Easter, Domino, Lucy, Handsome and Coal.

Teeny Titans, Part 6

2011-03-13T14:44:00.000-07:00

Red Robin

Hawk & Dove

Jesse Quick

Gnarrk

Coffey Road, Inside

2011-02-19T17:22:00.001-08:00

Tony commented I only posted pics of the yard and outside. Good point! Here's the inside!
We literally painted every room in the house - I wish I had taken before pictures; turquoise kitchen, sunflower yellow and kelly green living room... I think we did a pretty god job. It is super comfortable and homey and I guess that's what it is all about. Come by for a cup of coffee or glass of wine. :o)

The fireplace PUMPS out the heat but I wish it was open to see the flames.

The kitchen cabinets were faded, ugly turquoise so I had to get rid of those ASAP!

My good pal Sonya has these same wall artsy thingies and I had to steal her design mojo - they are too too cool.

Teeny Titans, Part 5

2011-02-17T07:12:00.000-08:00

Lillith

Jericho

Frances Kane

Teeny Titans, Part 4

2011-02-14T06:56:00.001-08:00

Aqualad

Thunder & Lightning

Raven

Aquagirl

Coffey Road

2011-02-12T11:24:00.000-08:00

Finally took the time to upload some pictures of our new-ish place. We have been here since August and are really settling in. I have been painting the interior but it is such an old house I am thinking it might be like putting lipstick on a pig. I love it - lots of charm - but it needs a serious upgrade. The property itself is really cool with lots of hidden treasures; old rose bushes, secret gardens and even an old beekeepers hive underneath a fallen tree. I decided to research the beekeeper thing and I might go for it! Sounds like an interesting (and beneficial) hobby. Anyway, here is where we hang our hat! :)

front of the house from the driveway

side view

Tony's greenhouse. He is ALWAYS in here.

the "Honeymoon House". Back in the early 1900's when an entire extended family lived here this was the house that one of the children got to stay in for awhile after they got married. Now it is used to dry flowers and herbs - and to stand guard against the north east wind.

gnarly old tree where the beekeeper box was. i also think this would be a cool painting.

chickens playing in the garden.

this is my favorite chicken, Carla. She's a turken and super friendly - Hootie Hoo!

False February

2011-02-11T07:52:00.000-08:00

Not seldom, whilst the Winter yet is king,
Whilst yet the meads are mute and boughs are bare,
A stirring in the February air
There comes, as with a faint foreshadowing,
A passing prophecy of far-off Spring
And distant days, when all the world shall wear
The lovely liveries of Summer fair,
That sets our wintry thought upon the wing.
Well though we know the thing's a Winter's trick,
To hold the soul with expectation sick,
And he will soon resume his iron reign,
Yet our fond hearts alone with hope in vain
Swell not; for hark, the swallows in the eaves
Rejoice as though the world were lush with leaves.

by John Payne (the 17th century poet).

Interactive Mirror

2011-02-11T07:29:00.001-08:00

Mirrors of the future! Imagine watching the news while brushing your teeth or receiving text messages while in the shower. Probably not very far away and a bit disturbing in the potential for 'big brother' spying. Though I guess like anything the tech has its potential for creativity and fun:

Interactive Mirror from Alpay Kasal on Vimeo.

Oscars 2011

2011-02-11T06:56:00.000-08:00

I have been making fun eVites for years for all different occasions. Maybe I will start a little gallery here of all of them(?).

Here is my latest for my pal's Zach and Leann's Oscar party, obviously spoofing the Black Swan movie poster:

Teeny Titans, Part 3

2011-02-08T07:19:00.000-08:00

Donna Troy

Red Arrow

Beast Boy

Danny Chase | Phantasm

Terra

Teeny Titans, Part 2

2011-02-08T06:58:00.001-08:00

Robin (Damian Wayne)

Ravager

Miss Martian

Cyborg

Teeny Titans, Part 1

2011-02-04T21:48:00.000-08:00

Wonder Girl

Starfire

Kid Flash

Blue Beetle

The Magi

2010-12-13T06:29:00.000-08:00

My Christmas card this year features the Three Kings or as I like to call them, "The Magi". Original Christian myth had three sorcerers, or magicians, following dreams and visions and the Star of Bethlehem to find the baby Jesus. Once there they presented him with "gifts of gold and of frankincense and of myrrh". Later myths have them named and coming together from specific locations: Gaspar (Asia), Balthazar (Africa) and Melchior (Europe).

One legend I found interesting states the gold given to baby Jesus by Gaspar was stolen by two thieves. Gaspar uses his magic and curses the thieves who eventually are crucified alongside Jesus.

In Spain and Latin America the Magi are celebrated much like we do Santa Claus. Children write letters to the Magi asking for presents which are brought on the night after the Twelve Days of Christmas. The children leave food and drink out for the three Kings and their enchanted camels.

I hope you enjoy. Have a Happy Holiday everyone!

note: "The Magi" was heavily inspired by one of my favorite artists, James C Christensen. His work is very enchanting and mythical and worth a look when you have the time.

Coffey Road Farm

2010-09-30T16:33:00.001-07:00

We finally moved and are settling in... Lots of room to play, lots of cool plants (curly willow) and trees (peach, apple, kiwi), old 1800's barn and side house, awesome patios and sitting areas, a green house, fruit stand at the gate, etc. It is really a neat place and so much more manageable than our last farm - only 7 acres this time! The house is smaller as well and I am enjoying painting & freshening up each room one at a time. I'll take nice pics sometime soon but for now here's Superman's view.

Sera de Sol

2010-06-05T14:09:00.000-07:00

I am happy to be part of an art show June 10 - Aug 10 at a hip wine bar, Vino Vixens, in SE Portland.

Opening night is June 10, 6pm-11pm.

Come by for a glass of vino and some belly dancing entertainment awesomeness.

Space Monkey Returns Home

2010-04-26T21:29:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted much to this here bloggy but I did stumble on this short video today and just had to share it. Great imagery, music and message.

Space Monkey from Leo Burnett on Vimeo.

Portland Love Show

2010-01-23T09:12:00.000-08:00

I'm happy to be part of a cool group show coming up. The Portland Love Show is an annual exhibit showcasing a variety of ideas & concepts all related to lurve.

My piece will have some hot man on man action!

(j/k...maybe).

Happy Christmas Time

2009-12-13T18:22:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas, ya'll! Here's my Christmas card this year. I've got tons of pictures of fun things I've been doing that I will try and get posted up as soon as possible! I hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday.

Art Show

2009-09-26T09:33:00.000-07:00

Finally! It seems like I had been gearing up for the art show forever (over 12 months). The work paid off and I had one of the most amazing experiences of my adult life. With the atmosphere of Yummy to the wonderful food and incredible wine to being surrounded by my amazing friends & family and even to the regular Yummy clientele that I was able to meet...really, everything was just so perfect. I was actually sad waking up the next day that it was over. :o) Thanks to everyone who came out.

2009-09-05T09:23:00.000-07:00

My first solo show is coming up soon at Yummy wine bar and bistro. It's a super cool place that Tony and I have hung out at quite a few times when visiting the coast. Amazing food, diverse wine selection and really fun and hip vibe. I am very excited to be showing my art there. Hope all my local pals can come and visit!

From the Art Table

2009-08-16T18:45:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Sonya, Leann and that beautiful bitch downtown for the inspirations.

From the Art Table

2009-07-12T15:09:00.000-07:00

Before working on my huge, "epic" pieces I will usually do quick little paintings to get my brush limbered up. I went back and revisited a lot of these quickies and guess what? I find them much more interesting and creative than the more thought out pieces. There's something more raw with them that I'm totally digging. Maybe it's the Sunday afternoon glasses of wine? Hmmm.

Star Wars Lego Portraits

2009-06-20T09:46:00.000-07:00

Since my camera is still missing somewhere in Arkansas i have nothing to post but links to cool things I have found.

This cool flickr page from Mike Stimpson creating some stylish & artistic portraits of Lego Star Wars figurines. I think my fav is the American Beauty Stormtropper (but I think it might have had an extra punch if he had used Vader).

Hack, hack, cough, cough

2009-06-13T11:57:00.000-07:00

I have been sick for almost FIVE WEEKS now. 17 days of severe allergies, followed by an 8 day summer cold and now day 9 of deep chest coughing and fever. Finally went to the Dr. and I have "severe bronchial infection". For someone who is never sick this is driving me crazy. Spring is supposed to be a rebirth with lots of fun outdoors, enjoying the flowers and cocktails on the patio. All I've wanted to do was hide in my dark bedroom. Hmmph, Poopy Pants.

P.S. I wonder if there is negative energy in my new house bringing me down? Anyone know a secret incantation to rid the funk?

New House & some pics of the kids

2009-04-26T11:21:00.001-07:00

It's been a crazy few weeks/months as we packed,painted the new place, moved and set up. It's been mostly a fun experience but I am ready to sit my butt down on the couch and just zone on the tube for a few hours. But, of course, I decide to organize all my new pictures and catch up on emails, etc instead. No rest for the wicked.

Here's some random shots of the new digs:

This wall paper was ALL OVER the house. Who ever lived here before was mad crazy for ivy print wallpaper. UGH!

The fireplace is double sided living room/dinning room. Very cozy.

One of the two back decks. I envision many summer nights spent out here. Margarita anyone?

We also bought 5 Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats. It's been a learning experience but definitely worth it. We have our own milk! And cheese! Add that with the massive garden we are planning and the dozen eggs we get a day our grocery bill is next to nothing! We're buying a steer next so then we'll have our own damn meat. I guess this is how they do it in the country. I'm all about urban life but this country livin' sure has its perks.

The two little ones are Tia and Kicks and their mothers (not pictured) are sisters, Lucy and Bella. We also got one dude named Earl and he is so funny. He'll knock you over and then jump and lick and nibble on you. He's like a dog!

Hope everyone is enjoying the spring. We sure are!

Moving.

2009-04-21T12:23:00.000-07:00

No posts. No time. No fun. Work work work. I'll post pics of the new place, etc. once I have a second of free time.

From the Art Table

2009-03-22T16:43:00.000-07:00

Update to an ongoing piece. I think it's pretty much done & she told me last night her name is Calliope. :)

Animals

2009-03-07T14:46:00.000-08:00

Our neighbor came over this morning with funny news. It seems Thor got busy with her friend's female dog about three months ago and nature took its course. ha! The little guys are super cute. Thor had never been around a puppy before and I think it freaked him out. The sweet pup was all over him and us. I love puppy breath! The owners are giving them away and I think it's odd they didn't offer one to us (not that we would have taken it, but still...) Without further adieu I give you Thor, Jr.

Next we have the little girl who adopted us. She was a feral cat that wandered into our yard as a little bitty kitty. She lives under the chicken coop and we've even found her inside sleeping with them. She runs around with them and tries to play their chicken games but of course they completely ignore her. Their was a gang of ornery weasels prowling the neighborhood and even got into our neighbors dove's. We've decided the kitty probably keeps the chickens safe so we keep little bowls of food about. She's slowly been warming up to us and has even let us pet her. Presenting Miss Kitty.

Röyksopp

2009-02-28T08:50:00.000-08:00

Röyksopp is one of my favorite listens. Thanks to Miss Vigil I got hooked on this Norwegian band, probably best known for the song "Remind Me" which is featured in a Geico commercial, and now own everything they've done. They have a new cd coming out, Junior, and this is the first single, "Happy Up Here". Enjoy!

Weekend Debauchary

2009-02-25T18:50:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was fast and furious. A birthday party at local hot spot, Mint, followed by a cookout on Saturday with our friends Jon and Elizabeth and then rounded off with the Sunday night Oscar Party at Leann and Zach's. It's no wonder I am just starting to feel back to 'normal' today. Egads, I think I am getting old. Say it aint so!

Here's the montage of the Birthday Girl, Joycie. Too funny.

And random pics throughout the night:

And then pics from the next morn':

From The Art Table

2009-02-22T15:08:00.001-08:00

Every year my pal's Leann & Zack have an Oscar party and give away prizes throughout the night. I always contribute a piece of art and this is what I did this year. She's actually part of a series, The Evils. She's "Hear No Evil". I told Tony he has to win her so we can bring her back home. :)

New House?

2009-02-15T16:59:00.000-08:00

Well, we found out we are going to have to move. Jon & Christy (our current landlords) are moving back to this great house sometime in June or July. Bummer. They've been absolutely the best about the whole situation and we can go month to month as needed. However, Tony wants to get a new place asap so we can start the garden, etc before spring is upon us. We've looked at several places but keep coming back to this one. We've went and seen it about 5 times now. It's not in the best condition but there is lots of land, well off the main road (which is good for Thor) and there's just something really cool about it. It's also right up the street from our current place so Kodi would get to go to the same school and be relatively close to all his friends. It also has a barn & we've decided that if we do get it we are going to get a couple of goats (I want to learn to make goat cheese!), a pig and a few cattle. And, of course, lots and lots of chickens. The move in costs are crazy high, but with some creative banking we should be able to pull it off. I'll keep ya posted.

Let It Go

2009-02-10T19:58:00.001-08:00

Super Bowl Partay

2009-02-02T19:10:00.000-08:00

Good times were had by all (maybe too much fun? I felt it today). I don't think one of us had any idea who was playing and at the end we had no idea who won. Go Commercials!

Morning View

2009-01-30T10:25:00.000-08:00

"Portlandia" is a huge statue right by my building in downtown Portland. It is the second-largest copper statue in the United States, after the Statue of Liberty. She's 36' feet tall and if standing would be over 50'. She's usually hidden behind a row of trees and not easily seen in the summer. Odd place for such an awesome statue, IMO.

From the Art Table

2009-01-27T15:14:00.000-08:00

I guess I should use this here blog to start posting some art, eh? This is the current project I am working on. You can see the sketch on the side that inspired the piece. So far so good.

Snow Day

2009-01-27T11:02:00.000-08:00

It's snowing again! I absolutely love living in the country if for no other reason than the great scenery and the different moods the weather can make. I also wonder what I miss having to go to work everyday. I wouldn't have gotten any of these shots if I was toiling away at my desk. Hooray for snow days!

Encyclopedia Britannica Guy

2009-01-26T19:36:00.000-08:00

Facebook is reconnecting me with all sorts of people. Here is a pic from my Encyclopedia Britannica days. I bet you guys forgot I did commercials in the 80's, huh? Oh lord, how did I survive THAT phase?

Morning View

2009-01-26T07:07:00.001-08:00

I thought I would start posting pics of everyday things I see. Here is the architecturally cool bus stop I wait at every morning for my commute into downtown Portland.
I am always staring up at the wood beams over the top and day dreaming.
More to come!

Kodi's Birthday Party

2009-01-24T19:26:00.000-08:00

Kodi's skate party was today at the local skating rink. They still play 80's music and it totally took me back to the days of playing Frogger, Ms. PacMan and "ALL SKATE, REGULAR DIRECTION". They even played Shoot The Duck. Ah, the memories.

Anyway, Kodi and his friends had a blast. Sam, Kodi's first girlfriend, was even there and they couple skated more than a few times. Oooohhh la la. They all came back to the house and we had pizza, a keg of root beer, fireworks, and presents. Tony and I made a bonfire for them in the back yard but they made us leave when things got around to "truth or dare" --- No one over 14 aloud. Hmmmph.

Fun times today.

Kodi's Birthday Morning

2009-01-22T06:55:00.001-08:00

It's Kodi's big 13th Birthday today! He's officially a teenager and trouble is his middle name! I made him pancakes for breakfast and here's a quick pic of the B-Day boy looking less than enthused. Oh, well...

Other side of the world

2009-01-12T13:00:00.000-08:00

Enter your address and find out where the other side of the world really is! Neat for a few seconds of idle time.

Pics from Oklahoma

2009-01-10T12:45:00.001-08:00

Here are some random pics from my trip home in December for my Granny's funeral. The one of Robbie is my favorite (and of course she hates it)!

2009-01-09T12:41:00.000-08:00

The Plague is apon us

2009-01-08T12:42:00.000-08:00

I thought this animated map detailing the spread of Wal Mart was interesting. Isn't this documented in Revalation's somewhere?

dancing kitties

2009-01-02T15:32:00.000-08:00

Just cuz.

T Dawg

2009-01-02T15:28:00.001-08:00

I like this pic of Tony I found on my work computer so I thought I'd toss it up here. Taken a few years back somewhere in Wyoming.

New Year's Eve!

2009-01-01T14:16:00.001-08:00

NYE was a blast at Lee & Zach's. Lots of drink and lots of food, even a fungus or two which made the night very festive. I seemed to have snapped the same people over and over but really there were quite a few other people there! We cheered in the New Year and honestly my memory gets hazy after that. Tony & I crashed at the foot of Reggie's bed (thanks Reg) and I woke up this morning w/ a sore neck. Now we're back at home and I'm prepping the traditional New Years black eyed peas. Happy New Years everyone!

Christmas Menu = G A Y

2008-12-25T16:26:00.000-08:00

I gayed out and printed a menu for our Christmas dinner. I thought I'd share it here.

Please feel free to ridicule my Martha-ness in the comments section.

Christmas Pics!

2008-12-25T16:11:00.001-08:00

I'm between preparing dishes so I thought I'd post some pictures of the day's festivities. We are all having a great time and enjoying the Holiday. Kodi is in his room playing on his new computer and sipping hot cocoa, Tony is drinking a beer in front of the t.v. and I'm on the computer in the den. Hmmm, I guess it's business as usual around here! :)
I can't believe it is STILL snowing. I am lovin' the White Christmas but I am desperately wanting to get out and about, mayabe even a movie later on? *sigh* guess I'll have to wait for the elusive thaw they keep forecasting

Merry Christmas everyone!

photo day in my backyard

2008-12-23T16:38:00.000-08:00

Another day spent off work & stuck at home. I bundled up in winter garb, grabbed a thermos of hot chocolate, my camera and an eye for winter wonders and out the door I went. It was a good day.

2008-12-16T18:58:00.000-08:00

To my pal who said my blog was boring:

EDIT: updated for Christmas

2008-12-14T17:13:00.001-08:00

If Star Wars was a silent film

2008-12-14T16:49:00.001-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mBDQXWflbM

2008-12-05T15:21:00.001-08:00

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

breeder survey.

2008-12-05T15:14:00.001-08:00

* What do you think caused your heterosexuality?
* When and how did you decide you were a heterosexual?
* Is it possible that your heterosexuality is just a phase you may grow out of?
* Is it possible that your heterosexuality stems from a neurotic fear of others of the same sex?
* Do your parents know that you are straight? Do your friends and/or roommate(s) know? How did they react?
* Why do you insist on flaunting your heterosexuality? Can't you just be who you are and keep it quiet?
* Why do heterosexuals feel compelled to seduce others into their lifestyles?
* A disproportionate majority of child molesters are heterosexual. So you consider it safe to expose children to heterosexual teachers?
* With all the societal support marriage receives, the divorce rate is spiraling. Why are there so few stable relationships among heterosexuals?
* Statistics show that lesbians have the lowest incidence of sexually transmitted diseases. Is it really safe for a woman to maintain a heterosexual lifestyle and run the risk of disease and pregnancy?
* Considering the menace of overpopulation, how could the human race survive if everyone were heterosexual?
* Would you want your child to be heterosexual, knowing the problems that s/he would face?

2008-10-02T10:29:00.000-07:00

Okage

Japanese word for the unwanted crust left stuck to the bottom of the rice cooker. Also the same word used as slang for a single woman who spends a lot of time with gay men.

2008-08-10T09:05:00.001-07:00

mmmm, i love you so.

2008-06-23T15:56:00.000-07:00

This made me smile.

2008-06-06T12:23:00.001-07:00

Something from my iPod to you. xoxo

2008-05-28T15:27:00.000-07:00

Fun site to browse.

2008-05-27T15:15:00.000-07:00

2008-05-23T16:38:00.000-07:00

Eta Kooram Nah Smech!

yay for long weekends.

2008-05-23T15:52:00.001-07:00

2008-05-23T15:16:00.001-07:00

Vroom Vroom

2008-05-23T12:23:00.000-07:00

Oh yea, baby. Give it gas, oh yea..that's it. Oh, shift my gears. uhh uhh Yea, faster, faster

2008-05-23T10:13:00.000-07:00

2008-04-08T19:08:00.000-07:00

Simpsons Couture

2008-04-04T12:58:00.001-07:00

GEEK SPEAK:
I think Scarlett Witch should join the X-Men now that she really isn't involved in the Avengers. She is totally dangerous and it wouldn't be the first time the X's have taken someone in to keep an eye on 'em/train them (Rogue, Wolverine, Sabertooth, etc). She's never really been in their universe even though she's a mutant. Speaking of Scarlett Witch, wouldn't the whole M-Day Universe thing blown the Skrull invasion wide open? If they had been impersonating all these heroes when the world went into M-Day they should have reverted back? Yes? No? Hmmmm. If you see BMB ask him about that one since he's responsible for both story lines.
END GEEK SPEAK

2008-04-04T12:51:00.000-07:00

I've been getting my art fix online lately. Here's some stuff I dig:
Jimmy Pickering
Geoffrey Harris
Scarlett Cat

2008-03-19T10:33:00.000-07:00

I am a huge geeky kid at heart. I love comic books, video games, scifi movies and cartoons. Nicktoons is apparently releasing a new X-Men cartoon, Wolverine and the X-Men, later this year. The image here looks great (Emma and not Jean??) and heavily influenced by Joss Whedon's run on Astonishing XMen. Something else to add to the TiVo! Read the full report here.

2008-03-18T15:28:00.000-07:00

R.I.P. Arthur C. Clarke 12/16/17 - 03/19/07

Arthur C. Clarke brilliant author and visionary passes away.

2008-03-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

Dream ticket, indeed.

2008-03-17T12:41:00.000-07:00

I had a vampire dream last night centered around this movie. Turns out the main character is Nathan Petrelli from one my fav show's: Heroes. Who knew??

2008-03-14T12:57:00.000-07:00

My latest craze: Podcasts. I listen to them all day at work and this hilarious one with gay vibe, The Ben & Dave Show, is my latest obsession.

2008-03-12T06:49:00.000-07:00

Moko the Dolphin to the rescue! Dolphin rescue stories always amaze me. The capacity for kindness to other species has to be an indicator of intelligence and reasoning. I want a dolphin friend.

2008-03-10T15:25:00.000-07:00

From the same people who brought you Frozen (see previous post) comes this new diddy. Not as funny but still worth a chuckle.

2008-03-07T10:30:00.000-08:00

I've been called a lot of things but never toe cancer. I am so glad I moved out of Oklahoma .
t>

2008-03-07T07:47:00.000-08:00

I found this artist site who's lovely ladies all have some extra junk in the trunk. He's got some cool street art as well. Check it.

2008-03-07T07:38:00.000-08:00

In cool space news: Saturn's moon Rhea could be a mini version of its own ringed parent and the first moon known to have rings of its own. Source.

2008-03-06T08:49:00.001-08:00

As predicted Christian swept the show. His designs blew the others out of the water, even if they were all very black and monotone. He is a great designer and has "It Factor" charisma to make him a star, IMO. Plus he was kinda sassy to Posh which deserves some points right there!

Looking at all the designs on the runway I couldn't help thinking Chris's designs would have worked so much better than Rami or Jillian's. At least what we saw of his were all very high fashion and cohesive (is human hair considered couture?). Ha. The show is completely over and I am still rootin' for the big guy.

There was even a cameo of Top Chef stud, Dale.

Here's a funny clip not shown on the show of Tim & Christian having a "walk off".

UPDATE: Here's a link to Christian's boyfriends MySpace page. Click on the Control clip to hear the music he created for Christian's runway. It's actually really good.

2008-03-05T10:47:00.000-08:00

OH MY GOD, I AM SO EXCITED. I can barely work as I keep thinking of the Project Runway finale tonight...who'll it be? I am again voicing my prediction that Christian will sweep the runway with his fierceness.