Welcome to my musings. This is pretty much a blog with a fancy name. I'll update every so often to let you know what's going on. Besides, sometimes I have some really funny stories to tell regarding how I got a certain photograph or something. And funny stories are good for the soul! YAY!.
Asbestos Shoes April 2nd 2007
So Saturday Tabby and I cleaned out my closet and boxed a bunch of shit up in my room to prepare for my bedroom change. It was fun, we made perverted jokes, and we played kareoke. Always a good time.
Then Sunday I headed up to Tabby's, which is where the Infirmary is. Katelyn, her mother, and my sister came as well. It was AWESOME.
First though, some background on the Infirmary. It's an old TB hospital, and is full of asbestos. Asbestos causes wicked bad lung cancer and shit. The TB is all gone now; but man a lot of people, mostly kids, died in there. And it's INCREDIBALLY haunted. I know quite a few people who can't even drive past it, let alone go in it.
So we went inside, naturally, and were walking around through sludge. Seriously, the asbestos on the floor was wet and an inch deep. So we waded through it and headed for the basement first. Now, there is this pitch black hallway, and we're talking NO LIGHT at all, that we went through. Fondly called the Dark Hallway. Well, before we enter Tabby asks "Is anyone afraid of the dark?" and we all answered no (but Mia actually is). Then she asks "Okay, is anyone afraid of this building?" That was everyone but us two. xD
So we're going through this hallway, everyone holding onto one another since we have no flashlights... xD And Tabby comes out with "Oh yeah, and if something bumps into you, it's not a real body. It's just a booby trap my dad set up." You have never heard so many people freak out. I myself was all "Gee, thanks for telling us that NOW!!!" lmao, but it was still fun.
We also went up onto the roof and played follow the leader. Now, it may sound stupid, but there is a really good reason as to why. You see, one wrong step and you'll fall through the roof, and probably through all six stories to the basement. Not fun.
Speaking of the basement, due to broken windows the weather got in and it's an ice rink. No shit. Pretty fucking awesome.
So yes, we ran around in an old building full of asbestos. We had masks, but I don't think they helped much due to the fact that even though they were meant for toxic dust, they weren't too helpful with asbestos, so says the package. But I didn't tell them that. Tabby didn't wear one, as usual. She probably already has it anyways. xD Oh well, not too big a deal with her pattern of luck. She's jumped off that roof and not died because of her luck. And she did it on purpose. Very suicidal. So yeah, her luck will make her live a long life. lol
And you know I have pictures. Watch for them!
EDIT: Almost forgot about today! Anyways, the reason behind the title. See, the asbestos sludge didn't completely come off my shoes... so I let it fall off as I walked through school. Hehe, so I showed off my shoes caked in asbestos. Aren't I nice? xD
Tonight I attended a class on the power of crystals. Let me tell you... I learned a lot of interesting stuff. And now I understand a bit better why my box is melting around all my stones. xD Whoops, my bad. rofl
But yes, I will post up some information about that soon enough as well.
Okay, now I'm done. Ciao!
Good Ol' Chickenwire March 21st 2007
Okay, the ENTIRE gallery had to be set up all over again today. The fishing line snapped, and it fell down. So we were there until eight tonight. Jill couldn't come because her mother is a douchebag, but I dragged Angela along.
So we hooked chickenwire to the walls. The guy who was doing it for the start, like, was bitching and shit. He put up two. We put up the last six or seven in the same ammount of time it took him to put up his. Yeah... men just take forever. No offense, but ya do.
And then we hung the pictures up. Took us a while though, because we had to clean the floors, remove the tape, cut the fishing line that remained, take sown some chains, and clean up blood.
Yeah, we were all bleeding from the wire. That shit's sharp.
But it looks awesome, and that's what's important. I will take pictures of it and post it up here tomorrow night.
In other news, two people confessed that they still love me today. Both ex girlfriends who remained friends. How odd is that?
That Fake Little Smile... D:< March 20th 2007
Okay, my sister and Jen decided to attempt my bricks today, and I blew up at them both. I was PISSED OFF. I shouldn't have gotten in my sister's face, but no one told me who did the lines until later, and that was the really bad part.
Mia's sponging wasn't too bad, it could have been fixed, but the rest was terrible. I guess I was really mean though, because I sent her home crying. But I have a theory on why I was so mean.
See, I yelled at Jen before I got to my sister, and Jen just gave me this awful little smile and false laugh while saying sorry that just screamed "Yeah, I'm always glad to be an incompetent bitch that fucks up other's work". I shit you not, she did that. SHE LAUGHED ABOUT IT!!!
I was fucking PISSED OFF DAMMIT.
But yeah, that coupled with tense nerves excited for a gallery... it makes for a bomb.
So Jill, Mike and I fixed the bricks. Painted over it and made for an optical illusion by putting a few here and there. Mia hates it, but whatever dude. Seriously, it would take weeks to do all EIGHT effing walls.
Mia claims that what she and Jen were doing would have been completed by Friday. Yes, they would have, but they would have looked really bad. Her response: "Jen needed something to do."
DON'T GIVE AN INCOMPITENT BITCH WHO CAN'T DRAW A STICK FIGURE THE DELICATE STUFF!!!
Seriously... it was that bad.
Jen has only taken art when required. After that, no more art for her. Seriously, I think an average fifth grader can draw better than she can. And they put her in charge of lines.
Then again, it didn't help that they didn't know how to sponge the layers either.
Oh well, too late now. I fixed it, it's done. Whatever.
I just think back though, and realize that if Mia had never talked me into going inside and helping, this NEVER would have happened. She told me I should have just turned Ms. Payeur down when she asked me to do sets, but honestly, how do you turn down someone who is basically pleading with you?
Empathy can suck balls, I swear. If I didn't have the ability, I wouldn't have taken the job. And none of this would have happened. And I never would have cared.
Life's a bitch. And I hate bricks.
Hooray Interview! November 18th 2006
OMG! The interview went GREAT!!!! They asked a lot of questions, and gave me a tour of the campus, and they really liked me! They had me fill out an application and everything! Most kids don't get to the interview, let alone the application! O_O And she wrote me a great letter of recommendation, and now I just need to get two from my teachers. I even met Andy, the director of admissions, and I think he liked what he saw too. But that's not the best part.
The best part was having an actual professional photographer look at and critique my work! O_O And he was thrilled with it! The only thing he had to say negatively was that I was slightly off in lighting on some of them. Other than that, he loved my composition and the subject matter I worked with. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!!! It was too great to be real, and yet it was real!!!
So the interview went really, really well. And I love the campus. It's super easy to navigate, and all the instructers seem like great people. I really want to go there.
I still have my doubts though, but only because of homesickness and the drive. There are some pretty intimidating bridges, and I'm not much of a highway driver. But, I know that once I get there, I'll be having such a blast that it won't matter. So I can do it! Flip yes!!
Now all I need is to be accepted in. Which I will. Because I'm confident in myself and my talents.
To Massachusetts! November 10th 2006
Well guys, I'm off to Massachusettes in one week! On the 17th I have a college interview at the Hallmark Institue of Photography! And the best part is, out of over 100 students that they called in the past couple days, I'm the first one they've offered an interview to!!! I can't wait!!!!!!!
Hallmark is a super prestigious place too! They only accept 300 students a year, and they train you to be a professional photographer and they train you in business. That means I'll be able to open my own studio! And the best part is, it's a 10 month college. So I won't be there for half my life!
So I'm really hoping that all goes well at this interview, and that I get in. Because I would love to go there for my training. And, while I'm there, I can finally see Boston and NYC! It'll be awesome!!!
Anyone else who is interested in Hallmark, here's their link: http://hallmark.edu. Oh, and they have nothing to do with Hallmark cards.
The Moon was made for Meeting People October 7th 2006
Wow, I had an awesome random photo shoot. I was driving back from the pharmacy and the moon was just large and in charge in front of me as I crested this hill. I had a HUGE hypervenalating moment, and then made plans to return when it got a bit darker.
So I went back to this hill on a fairly busy street, and set up shop. It was really cold, but I didn't care. I never do when I am taking pictures. XD Well, I was doing my thing and as I'm packing up this car pulls to a stop behind mine.
My first thought was: "Oh shit, it's the cops."
I was wrong, thankfully.
Instead, it was some random guy, who later told me his name was Scott, that thought I needed help. That was really nice of him, stopping to see if I were in trouble. ^^
When I told him I was doing photography, he asked to see the pictures. Turns out he was coming back from the Adirondacks where he had been doing photography as well.
Who knew I'd meet a fellow photographer tonight?
Well, he really liked my stuff, and thought I was in college. He looked really surprised when I told him that I was only a senior. X3
It was cool though. He himself had just graduated from RIT. So that was awesome. And he also thinks I can make Pratt.
It was a good photo shoot. Next one for the night, streaming taillights. That'll be fun! ^^
The Photo:
My Head is Spinning September 23rd 2006
Wow, things are starting to move so fast. My parents went to my HighSchool open house, and were talking to Ms. Mierzwa, my art teacher. She was telling them that she had some building where she wanted me to display my photography with a business card in the corner so that people could buy it and stuff, and that's only the beginning! She also thinks I need to start on as an apprentice to a professional photographer when I get out of highschool, and wants me to get into an art college as prestigious as Pratt! I never really thought that my photography was that good, but I'm really beginning to think otherwise now. Wow... I just can't believe it. It's all so utterly amazing to me.
Cruisin' and Bruisin' July 18th 2006
God damn, you get sunburnt QUICK when you're driving around all day. XP My whole left side and next is just fried. But it was worth it, because I had a lot of fun. First, Ally and I jetted up to Barnes N' Noble, where I found a MANEQUIN DOLL FOR MY DRAWINGS!!! *huggles and cuddles it* My wuv... <3 Then we came back home, before heading up to get Nikki, Justin, and the Shermanator. They took us back to the pond, which was kind of scary because it's a 3mile trail on fourwheelers... and it's not in the best of shape and we went fast. Yeah, I was white-knuckled all the way. Justin soaked Ally too, and that was pretty funny. Once back there we went swimming in a creek. That was fun. Afterwards, we went to the beach, and then out to dinner at the Charcoal Pit. It was a long day, but it was sooooo worth it. Even if I did get some serious roadrage at the assholes that kept cutting me off. XD
First Time for Everything June 27th 2006
So this past Thursday I went back to Yaddo with Dwarf, Nikki, Meagan, and Scott. Yeah, Scott's some guy Meagan found loitering in the mall, don't ask. He's cool though. But we went back to Yaddo together and did a lot of picture stuff. I got to model for a lot of people, and I looked pretty. I'll be adding my new Yaddo pictures soon enough too. And this time, it didn't rain. X3
Well, it was a pretty busy day. Fist we had to register Dwarf's car, then we buzzed the mall for an hour and a half waiting for Meagan to get off from work, then we blushitted... so we didn't actually get to yaddo until 7pm. And to think, Dwarf picked me up at 2:30pm. XD Oh, we visited a lawyer before we went to the mall though, and stopped to see if Meagan was home. Yeah, the lawyer is Dwarf's cousin and he works for my Mom. His house is BEAUTIFUL too. *dreamy sigh*
Well, after Yaddo it was about 8:30, and it was getting dark. So we headed down to a Cafe for something to eat and drink. My first cafe! It was exciting, I'd never been before. Then we walked down the street (Meagan and Scott weren't with us though because she had to get home, it was about 9:30 now) and I saw not one, but TWO sets of musicians playing on the street for cash. I didn't think they existed anymore! It was great! We did window shopping, and went to Borders, and had so much fun! I couldn't get any books though because I'm broke as a joke but... XD It was still fun to browse.
I didn't get home until 11pm that night. It was a good day. Tomorrow we might go abandoned building hunting. Hehe. ^.^
The Sun Sets Too Fast... June 18th 2006
So tonight we were coming home from my grandparents and I saw this AWESOME sunset. But it set too fast to get a good picture, which really sucks. The camera was all the way in the trunk, so I had to wait until we got home. Mom and I chased it up the hills (remember folks, mountainous region), but we still missed it.
However, on that chase we spotted a cute little turtle crossing the road... on a blind hill. So what do I do? I jump out of the car of course while it's slowing down! I got a picture, and then helped it across. It was sooooooo cute!
Then I actualy was able to give my Mom directions to buzz around places (I'm directionally challenged), and we went to the graveyard after dark. Mom refused to get out of the car, she has a fear of ghosts, but I went in anyways. Got a few pictures before the camera died, and then we went home. it was a good day for photography. Three great pictures, even if the sun did set too fast. ^.^
I went to Yaddo! May 27th 2006
I WENT TO YADDO!!!!!
It was soooo beautiful! Well... minus the rain. XD And the flowers hadn't completely bloomed yet either. That's why we (my English class) want to go again later in the summer. And if we go in the off season in September (like we want to) we can go inside the mansion! O.O I AM SO GOING AGAIN! Actually, I am. Because I get to go next year on the official class field trip. This year's was cancelled due to the freakin administration (good thing it's free) so we just carpooled and said "screw you school!" X3
I'm sure some of you don't know what Yaddo is. Yaddo is this really old mansion that has been made into an artists' and writers' retreat. Due to an inheritance of like, millions of dollars, left to the estate for that purpose and other general funding they get (maybe $20.00 here or there), everything is paid in full. You have to transport yourself there and shit, but you have free meals and bedding. A lot of famous people have gone there too. So it was really awesome.
We weren't met by an author like normal though, because they were short of hands at the moment. And, they didn't want to be out in the rain like us. Pansies. XD Just kidding! But even with the rain it was beautiful. And it wasn't raining when we first got there... it just sort of opened up and poured. And word to the wise, eleven people cannot fit under three umbrellas. It just doesn't happen. We tried.
After Yaddo we went off to Ben and Jerry's for ice cream (even though I can't eat it. But oh well.) Then we went to the Tang museam because Alana's Mom said there was this cool exhibit we could see for free on art. And it was awesome.
So it was a really fun day. I'd do it again. Even if it was raining. XD
New PSP Brushes April 22nd 2006
Okay, so I'm in the kind of mood to make brushes for PSP. For those unfamilliar, PSP = Paint Shop Pro. It's all I have, so please don't ask for them in PS (Photo Shop). And no, I cannot download GIMP so says mother dearest. So until another far away day, my brushes are only available to PSP users. Unless of course some kind person tells me how to convert them without owning PS or GIMP. XD
So, this is what I have going, brush-project wise.
Flowers: 0%
Illuminated Letters: 5%
Zodiac: 98%
Planetary: 98%
Celestial: 100%
Faces: 75%
Bows & Ribbons: 0%
Hearts: 0%
Drops & Splashes: 0%
Lines: 0%
Chinese Zodiac: 0%
Emoticons: 0%
I really think that the Illuminated letters are going to be some of my greatest brushes ever. They're the ones that I would really want to convert over to PS and GIMP, because they are going to be beautiful. They're also going to take forever and be a real bitch to make. XP
If you have any other ideas, feel free to post them! You can do this by using my guestbook, or contacting me. I really love making brushes, so ideas to jumpstart me are always great. And my policy is that there need to be at least 5 brushes to a set, so make sure you can think of five for each idea, I might ask!
Hope to see you using them!
Getting a bit Lazy... April 16th 2006
It's official, I'm getting a bit lazy. I have so many pictures I've drawn (you know, my crap), and I just haven't bothered to scan it in. Kind of sad really. I know I ought to, but I just can't be bothered. Maybe tomorrow... maybe. Or later today for that matter. After all, it's only 1:30am right now. XD
So they've put me on some new medication as well for my depression, and I hate it. I really hate meds period. But we're giving it a shot because my school grades have gone to hell. Not exactly the best thing in the world. XP So, we'll see what happens.
LOST! O.O March 13th 2006
So today was foggy, and rainy, and all out rotten, but I decided I was going back down the trail to the creek to get pictures. Because fog and water is always awesome. I never got my picture. In fact, for the first time ever, I got completely and utterly LOST.
Factors to consider:
(1) It's pretty much one big swamp.
(2) The wind storm changed things.
(3) I'm already sick with a nasty cold.
(4) It's a shitty day.
(5) Fog is very misleading.
(6) I never made it a quarter of the way back.
So, I went in and got a few shots, what good ones I got (if any) will be up soon. I came to this big fallen pine tree across my path though, and was like "No way, the fog is misleading enough as it is, I'm turning back." So, I turned around and backtracked my steps. Somehow along the way, I got off of my trail. I still don't know how. But I kept moving to try and find my way back, and then I heard this sickening "creeeeeeeeeak" under my feet, like groaning boards. I stopped dead still, and took a few deep breaths. Then, I just shifted my weight a bit, and heard "craaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack", and winced. Thinking to myself, Don't want to look down..., but I knew I had to, I looked. The heel of my shoe had punctured through the stuff, and I was standing over the top of the blackest water I have ever seen. And if there had been someone with me, my already pale skin grew even whiter. I ran across the rest of it to solid ground. All I was standing on was the branches and foliage that had fallen over the years and decomposed into a thin shell over deep, quicksand-like swamps and marsh. Basically, if you fall in you're not getting back out without assistance. And no one knew exactly where I was.
I wandered for quite a bit when I finally found a landmarker. It was this target my neighbor uses for shoot practice, and when you find that you know your trail is nearby. I could even see the edge of my house! However, I really didn't want to try and forge a new path after the swamp incident, and the fact that it had happened more than once. So... I decided (foolishly, now that hindsight has kicked in) that I was going to get back on my path and walk out. This had happened once before, only I was going the opposite way and heading in, not out. Sounds pretty easy, right? Well, I was totally wrong. I ended up getting myself even more lost, and by this time I was ready to panic.
But the worst thing you can do is panic.
Now, picture yourself in the woods, the nocturnal animals (like bears, wolves, and other carniverous creatures many times more scary than you are) are starting to wake, you're lost, it's getting dark, it's foggy, misting, and you just want to get the hell out before a big swamp wipes you off the face of the Earth. That was me.
But I did not panic. I talked myself through it, swore at myself for being such an idiot and not walking out through a new path, and walked in circles. I didn't have a compass, because I know these woods really well (but not as well as I thought I guess, maybe it was just the fog), and because I've never gotten myself so lost that I didn't know how to get back. And you're not lost if you can find your way back.
Well, I wandered in circles for what seemed like forever, but according to my watch was more like 15 minutes, before I found that target again. This time though I wasn't stupid. I pushed through entire trees (you know, the little ones) to go in a straight line to get to my house. I was through with paths. I ended up coming out in a pricker bush which didn't heasitate to leave me with cuts, right infront of the hole Dad had to did to find the septic tank, but I was home. And I went inside, made myself bagel bites, and lived to tell about it.
I will be out in those woods again soon enough. Just you wait. But, no swamps this time. I know how to spot that crust now.
Word to the wise, learn from my mistakes. I made enough of them. u.u;
