Sleigh Bells with ”Ring Ring”
Broken Bells with “The High Road” (sound familiar? The Shins. Danger Mouse.)
I’m living in a new town and trying to get a feel for the local bar scene around here. What makes a good bar to you? Seating, lighting, decor, music choices, clientele? It all factors in for me. When they mix well together you feel a comforting déjà vu, which usually eases you (or me…) into buying a few drinks, people watching and talking about fanciful things like dinosaur-unicorns. Or was it unicorn-dinosaurs?
I find myself frequenting one bar in particular but have wondered if this is because I really like it or merely because it’s familiar and I might be a bit nervous about going to a new place. At this bar, I know most of the bartenders, which is always a nice feeling. They even know my drink of choice by now. I’m a whiskey-loving woman. Yes, I have only been here for 4 months and they already know me by name and where I work and what I drink… alcoholic? You be the judge. I choose to think I am just a social creature.
I went to a couple more bars this past weekend and here is what I gathered:
One had amazing decor; you knew these people had clearly spent some time in Williamsburg in Brooklyn and knew how to take hip to a whole new level. Even though the decor was outstanding… pinball machine backings hung on the wall as art, cheeseburger soap dispenser, perfect lighting with hints of red and off white… there was a lack of seating and the narrowness of the bar led to a lot of bum to bum contact. I am not really into bum to bum contact with strangers, so this put a bit of a damper on the experience. I’d say, this was the kind of bar to pre-game at while it is less crowded and you can sit about and enjoy the sights and enjoy the records being played.
I went along to another place that serves as a bar and venue. There wasn’t a lot of seating but there was a lot of area to stand around in, so bum touching was out of the question, thank goodness. This is the type of place where there are a lot of regulars but because there are so many people milling about, you don’t feel intimidated to be there. Plus, I got to see a guy kneel on the ground sans shoes and convulse a bit while touching a guitar lightly and fiddling with a computer. What a show!
I will continue to figure out what places will be the most fruitful as far as meeting people and having a great time, but for now, it is nice to go back to the bar where everyone (a few people) know my name (and my drink preferences).
IN OTHER NEWS:
My friend Eddie and I are going to start a new writing project with another friend of his… so stay tuned!
and
My friend Jenna has asked me to start a regular column on her awesome crafty blog, Kraftworkin Kitsch. Yay!
Awesome prints:
Awesome Japan:
Awesome Cover:
Awesome Potential:
So here are a couple of photos of my attempt to make a rustic looking heart from sticks to hang on my front door. The most difficult part of the project was finding sticks that were bendy enough to mold into a heart shape. The end result was… okay?
Collecting the sticks was pretty fun, although it was quite cold outside. Mabel, my friend’s dog, had the best time. She’s a good stick collector.
Sticking a bow on anything makes it better.
Mabel and I bond over wine and pleasant conversation. If you look hard enough, you’ll notice Miss Mabel has ripped open my shirt to expose …gasp!… my black undershirt!
First, here’s some music to titillate your aural sense on a day in February:
Today is Valentine’s Day in the USA! My goodness. Perhaps you would like to make some crocheted amigurumi style hearts to celebrate. I found these on Instructables.com, one of my favorite websites for DIY projects. And make sure to have your fill of tasty treats today.
I’m going to be assembling a heart decoration for my front door out of sticks and copper wire later today… so I’ll have some photos of my endeavors.
Happy Day!
New Town, New Article in MORPH
Posted by: team sweet
February 9th, 2010 >> American Life, New Zealand
Morph Magazine online has just published my latest installment of Back Again for the First Time. This time, I talk about the oddities I’ve encountered and the nostalgic breakdown.
I can’t say that I am a huge fan of Valentine’s Day, especially this year, as it’ll be my first time being single on this holiday for the past 8 or so years! But, it’s not just that I am single, even when I had a someone to celebrate it with, I preferred to make loving gestures all year long rather than feel the pressure to do something grand on one day. I’m someone who likes showing people, whether they’re my boyfriend or my best friend, that I care about them all the time. I even considered being a professional friend for awhile. Giving flowers, making crafty gifts, writing letters, making mix cds, baking treats… I am a pro! I am not so sure this would be as lucrative as I would need to survive, but it’s a nice thought.
Whatever you do this Valentine’s Day, don’t let it get you down. And… don’t let trying to think of a great gift stress you out too much either!
Thanks for the photo, vinylpulse.com!
Do check out this Valentine’s inspired B Mine Uamou from Lulubell and Ayako Takagi. It drops Feb 14th at 9am for $25 each. Sweeeet!
Here are things I like. What are you into this week?
Andrew Bell’s O-No Sushi – I love this toy. Pretty well made and fun. Very fun to play around with for photographing!
Jon Burgerman – He makes art, vinyl toys (these are still art too, just in 3d form) and music. I’m sure he does other things too. Check out his Flickr – there are doodles and pictures of food. He looks fun to hang out with.
I Heart Cool Stuff – Who doesn’t? Count on Saki-Waki to show you some amazing things in the world of art and art toys! Woohoo! Also see her Flickr for some sweet toy photos.
Sarah + Bendrix (via the decor8 blog) – Handmade little hearts arranged carefully. Very pretty. Too pricey for me but gives me inspiration to try it myself.
The Slow Food Movement - Their mission: “Slow Food works to defend biodiversity in our food supply, spread taste education and connect producers of excellent foods with co-producers through events and initiatives.”
Still love this eco-graffiti
Always lovin’ Kristiana Parn
New Dunny Series – Dunny Fatale – What do we think of it? I really want the Aya Kakeda crazy cat lady dunny! Also see Aya as one of the — MOUSTACHE SISTERS! oh my!
My online radio show’s latest installment (number 14!) is now up on the Jam Radio webpage! What are you waiting for?? Get over there!