When I first signed up for belly dancing I was so excited. I had been to a couple of events where they had belly dancers perform. I loved they way they were able to move their bodies. I got ready for class in my comfy loose pants and tank top. I got to the class early and waited out in the hallway for the doors to open. Class began and the 4 of us lined up awaiting instruction. She went over the basic steps and then told us that we would be putting them all together in a dance. She turned and faced the wall of mirrors looking behind her to see if we were following her steps exactly. She couldn't see me because I was standing right behind her, so she had me move over to the left. She started moving and we had to look in the mirror to see all of what she was doing. I looked and I kept seeing this huge woman that barely looked like she was doing the steps. A couple of movements later I realized that was me. I kept messing up the routine, unable to look back into the mirror, I was horrified. She stopped to work with us one-on-one for a while and then some people came in to demonstrate what the full routine would look like when we had gotten it down. I looked over and saw my kids looking through the window. They had been playing at the park and I was glad that they had missed the site of me trying to do belly dancing. At this point I wanted to just go home and throw up.
We left and I held back my tears in the car. When we got home I told the kids I had hurt my knee and needed to go up stairs and lay down. I walked into my room and sat in my office chair. How could I have let myself get this big. I turned and noticed my reflection in the mirrors on the closet door. Then I turned and LOOKED at myself in the wall of mirrors behind me. I realized that even though I had mirrors on 3 out of 4 walls in my room I had actually never looked at myself in them. Come to think of it I had not actually looked at myself in any mirror for the past 14 years. Yea I had pulled a mirror close up to put on my makeup or pluck my eyebrows. I gave myself the daily glance to make sure I matched, but that was it. In my mind I am 125 lbs with long brown hair, perky tits, a plump ass, and a flat stomach. That is who i am when I dream, when I right a story, and when I look down. Every once in a while I would see a picture, get horrified and then forget about it. Not this time the site of all that fat moving when I moved and hiding all of the moving that I thought I was doing has been burned into my retina. That night I dreamt of myself as a fat person. The next day I held up my close before I put them on and they looked like circus tents. The blinders had come off.
A couple of days later we were going hiking and I was excited because exercise would do this body good. We got half way up the hill and I couldn't breath, I felt like I was wearing a fat suit and my joints wouldn't bend. I stopped and thought for a moment. How is it that I could do this hike a month ago with no problem and yet now I thought I was going to die. I don't think that I gained all of this weight in the last month, because all of my close are the same size as they were 14 years ago. So what has changed? Oh yea my perception of myself. How could I go back to thinking thin. Well I definitely wasn't going back to Belly Dancing class. I know I will work on my story and then I will have to think thin. I walked back down the hill and went and sat in the van waiting for the rest of the group to finish. Then when I got home I worked on my story. That night I had a dream where I was back to my old body - the skinny sexy one. The next morning I went back to my ways of not LOOKING into the mirror. I felt better already.
Now I practice my belly dancing in the comfort of my living room (there's no mirror in there).
Showing posts with label Meetup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Meetup. Show all posts
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Drum Circle
You don't need any drumming experience. Drums will be available for you to use or you can bring your own. The philosophy of drumming is about connecting to the beat within you. Healing, like rhythm, comes from within you.
Daniel Ide is an experienced drummer and a great drum circle facilitator. He has a great understanding of the drum and different sounds that you can get depending on the type and how you hit it.
Above is a picture of a drum circle group. Our group meets in a wood paneled room with wood floors. If you just sit while the others are drumming and put your hands on the top of the drum then you can feel the vibrations go through your hands and feet. It is amazing!
OBMS
A nonprofit organization and club promoting education of geology, and the lapidary arts. Donations accepted receipts available upon request, and for larger donations.
Working with Gem Stones and Rocks is called Lapidary.
Lapidary is fun and rewarding. All are welcome to join our meetup group. You will find good information in our links area, the OBMS news letters offer a wealth of information. We also have photos of events and field trips, so join up even if you are not local to this area. We offer Training, and access to a fully tooled Work Shop. Training includes, Lapidary, Field Trips, go collect your own Gems and Rocks with our group and group leaders!
We give instruction on making Jewelry, Silver Smithing, Wire Wrapping, learn how to carve, and much more. After you collect your Gems and Rocks, or make some Jewelry you can sell your finds, and art work at our “Gem and Mineral Tail Gate Show’s” This is a regular event to support our nonprofit organization, so that we can continue educating the community young and not so young and everyone in between, about minerals and the Lapidary arts.
On the first Thursday of the month the general Public is invited to visit our work Shop, and receive the valuable instruction on turning stones into jewlery. You will be shown how to use the shop equipment and have a hands on experience to make your own piece. We will even include the material for your first FREE Visit as our Guest.
THE WORK SHOP IS LOCATED AT: 205 W. BENEDICT #8 SAN BERNARDINO, CA
Just off of Arrowhead Ave, by the Orange Show Grounds
You are welcome to come by any time that we are open for up to four free visits. Visits include personal instruction and the use of the general workshop, first timers will recieve a free gem/lapidary slab to work with and help in creating your first jewlery ready lapidary stone, known as a Cab. Saw use and other items require a donation to use, so that we can replace blades and so on.
You are welcome to become a full OBMS member fees run between $25 and $45 a year( depending on the size of your family), with a $10 first time enrollment fee. Shop or class fees are $5 each time
We are Open, Mondays through Thursdays 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Saturdays 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and often other times as well.
Shop Number: 909-381-0089 Email: OBMS_PR@yahoo.com
Metal Arts Society of Southern California
The Metal Arts Society of Southern California is having their Annual Demonstration Day.
It is from 10 am to 3 pm and the cost is $15 per person.
They have a great line-up of demonstrators.
Melinda Alexander - Riveted Stone Setting-Capture a stone with the simple technique of Rivets
Marne Ryan - Organic Metals-The opportunity to play with fire constructively while creating rich textures in sterling silver
Connie Fox - Define Design-This demo will cover several strategies for clarifying, deepening, and expanding your awareness of your personal jewelry design sensibility
Sandra VanderMey - Coloring Titanium- Enhance your expressions by adding the language of color
Ruth Shapiro - Put Your Best foot Forward- Learn how to make displays that will enhance your work
This event was so informative. There was about 120 people there so we were split up in groups.
We viewed Melinda Alexanders demonstration first. She showed us techniques she had used to make rings and bracelets using rivets. The picture at the right shows an example of that. The 2 stars have been separated by rivets to give it a 3D effect. There are many uses for rivets - you can solder rivets together to get more of a graphic design.
Then we went Sandra VanderMey for her demonstration on Coloring Titanium it was amazing to find out that the amount of electricity applied to a piece of Titanium directly affects the color it will change. Also how applying a torch to the same metal gives you more of a rainbow effect. The picture at the right is torched Titanium twisted and turned into earrings.
We were then sent to Ruth Shapiro's demonstration of jewelry show displays the most amazing part of her demonstration was that almost everything she showed us was something that we could find for free. The picture at the right is an example of a bracelet tree made from paper towel rolls. If you painted it with a little textured spray paint and everyone will think that you paid tons for it.
We had a delicious lunch catered by Togo's with salad, water, cookies, chips, and a variety of sandwiches. Then they served cake which we were to full to eat.
After lunch it was on to Marne Ryans demonstration of Organic Metals - we were the most impressed with her techniques. She takes sheets of silver and fuses them together by layering and torching. This gives her pieces a unique 3 dimensional feel and look while still being one solid piece. It gave us great ideas of different things we could do. I just wish that sheets of silver weren't so expensive.
We went to our last demonstration with Connie Fox who gave us more great ideas about defining our own personal design. The sociology of it all. Make what you like. I think that's great advice.
I would suggest that if anybody has a chance to go next year that you definitely do it.
It is from 10 am to 3 pm and the cost is $15 per person.
They have a great line-up of demonstrators.
Melinda Alexander - Riveted Stone Setting-Capture a stone with the simple technique of Rivets
Marne Ryan - Organic Metals-The opportunity to play with fire constructively while creating rich textures in sterling silver
Connie Fox - Define Design-This demo will cover several strategies for clarifying, deepening, and expanding your awareness of your personal jewelry design sensibility
Sandra VanderMey - Coloring Titanium- Enhance your expressions by adding the language of color
Ruth Shapiro - Put Your Best foot Forward- Learn how to make displays that will enhance your work
This event was so informative. There was about 120 people there so we were split up in groups.
We had a delicious lunch catered by Togo's with salad, water, cookies, chips, and a variety of sandwiches. Then they served cake which we were to full to eat.
We went to our last demonstration with Connie Fox who gave us more great ideas about defining our own personal design. The sociology of it all. Make what you like. I think that's great advice.
I would suggest that if anybody has a chance to go next year that you definitely do it.
World Labyrinth Day
On World Labyrinth Day people are joining together all over the world and at 1pm (Pacific Time) we will all walk labyrinths together trying to send a wave of good feeling over the earth. If your wondering what a labyrinth is I have given you many definitions but to some it up it is a maze that you walk in peace and quiet thinking about what you would like to focus on in the up and coming month. So you would walk into it with a positive good intention and walk out with a plan. I personally love labyrinths because they calm me. I think this will be a great event and I hope you join me.
Prehistoric labyrinths are believed to have served as traps for malevolent spirits or as defined paths for ritual dances. In medieval times, the labyrinth symbolized a hard path to God with a clearly defined center (God) and one entrance (birth).
Labyrinths can be thought of as symbolic forms of pilgrimage; people can walk the path, ascending toward salvation or enlightenment. Many people could not afford to travel to holy sites and lands, so labyrinths and prayer substituted for such travel. Later, the religious significance of labyrinths faded, and they served primarily for entertainment, though recently their spiritual aspect has seen a resurgence.
Many newly made labyrinths exist today, in churches and parks. Labyrinths are used by modern mystics to help achieve a contemplative state. Walking among the turnings, one loses track of direction and of the outside world, and thus quiets the mind. The Labyrinth Society provides a locator for modern labyrinths all over the world.
What the Inland Empire Metaphysical Family is Saying about this meetup:
Join us for the second annual World Labyrinth Day with the intention of spreading the healing benefits of the labyrinth. This is a global event that brings people from all over the planet together in celebration of the labyrinth as a symbol, a tool, a passion or a practice.
We will "Walk As One at 1" in an attempt to create a wave of peaceful energy moving around the planet. People will be walking a labyrinth at 1:00 P.M. in their local time zone. Think Globally, Walk Locally.
There will be a variety of Labyrinths to walk, you may walk one or all of them.
We went the first day of May, it was a gorgeous day. The wind was blowing just enough to keep the sun at bay. We walked all over the Glen Ivy center property exploring 5 different Labyrinths. We had nice snacks in the gazebo while the children went on a nature hike. Everyone had a great time.
Prehistoric labyrinths are believed to have served as traps for malevolent spirits or as defined paths for ritual dances. In medieval times, the labyrinth symbolized a hard path to God with a clearly defined center (God) and one entrance (birth).
Labyrinths can be thought of as symbolic forms of pilgrimage; people can walk the path, ascending toward salvation or enlightenment. Many people could not afford to travel to holy sites and lands, so labyrinths and prayer substituted for such travel. Later, the religious significance of labyrinths faded, and they served primarily for entertainment, though recently their spiritual aspect has seen a resurgence.
Many newly made labyrinths exist today, in churches and parks. Labyrinths are used by modern mystics to help achieve a contemplative state. Walking among the turnings, one loses track of direction and of the outside world, and thus quiets the mind. The Labyrinth Society provides a locator for modern labyrinths all over the world.
What the Inland Empire Metaphysical Family is Saying about this meetup:
Join us for the second annual World Labyrinth Day with the intention of spreading the healing benefits of the labyrinth. This is a global event that brings people from all over the planet together in celebration of the labyrinth as a symbol, a tool, a passion or a practice.
We will "Walk As One at 1" in an attempt to create a wave of peaceful energy moving around the planet. People will be walking a labyrinth at 1:00 P.M. in their local time zone. Think Globally, Walk Locally.
There will be a variety of Labyrinths to walk, you may walk one or all of them.
We went the first day of May, it was a gorgeous day. The wind was blowing just enough to keep the sun at bay. We walked all over the Glen Ivy center property exploring 5 different Labyrinths. We had nice snacks in the gazebo while the children went on a nature hike. Everyone had a great time.
Lemon Festival
We enjoyed good friends and good times, with great food, carnival rides and games, lemon flavored items, and artisans from all parts of California. We were located next to the gazebo so we could see most of the foot traffic. There was tons of people that were there on Saturday during the day, it did slow down a little at night. I did notice that a lot of people had purchased less this year than last year. Last year I watched as people walked by with bags of stuff from local vendor booths strollers with stuff and parents carrying kids. This year they went for the food and the fun and looked at vendor items but not much buying going on.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Living To Learn
Well I did it, I started my own Meetup today. It's called Living To Learn. This group is for people that want to learn about many different things. We will be learning about cooking, dancing, computers, jewelry making, pottery, finances, gaming, writing, ourselves, and anything else you would like to learn with other inquisitive people.
When I had first thought about starting this group my son came home from High School orientation and was devastated by the fact the school had cut there cooking class. With him wanting to be a culinary artist when he grows up I could see his concern. I had dealt with this before with my older son who wanted to be an artist and was told they were cutting the art class out of the high school. I spoke with many of there friends and learned that there are many things that the kids aren't learning in high school. If you don't learn it in high school and you don't go on to college then when do you learn it? So some of the things that we will be covering are the basics - how to balance a check book, how to cook a meal, how to draw, how to sew, etc... Then we will also learn the fun stuff, how to make jewelry, how to do pottery and work with clay, how to belly dance, how to play black jack, how does a craps table work, how to play Bunco, etc... We can also get into the serious computer functions; excel, word, QuickBooks, e-mail, etc... We will also be getting together as people who have problems so that we can learn that were not alone. We will talk about things like being unemployed, being large in a small world, being single, being parents, etc... There is so much that we all can learn from each other.
I love to learn and wanted to start this group so that I could bring other inquisitive minds together. "A day without learning is a day closer to death." OUCH I plan on learning something new every day."
I am hoping that many great people join and that it is awesome!
When I had first thought about starting this group my son came home from High School orientation and was devastated by the fact the school had cut there cooking class. With him wanting to be a culinary artist when he grows up I could see his concern. I had dealt with this before with my older son who wanted to be an artist and was told they were cutting the art class out of the high school. I spoke with many of there friends and learned that there are many things that the kids aren't learning in high school. If you don't learn it in high school and you don't go on to college then when do you learn it? So some of the things that we will be covering are the basics - how to balance a check book, how to cook a meal, how to draw, how to sew, etc... Then we will also learn the fun stuff, how to make jewelry, how to do pottery and work with clay, how to belly dance, how to play black jack, how does a craps table work, how to play Bunco, etc... We can also get into the serious computer functions; excel, word, QuickBooks, e-mail, etc... We will also be getting together as people who have problems so that we can learn that were not alone. We will talk about things like being unemployed, being large in a small world, being single, being parents, etc... There is so much that we all can learn from each other.
I love to learn and wanted to start this group so that I could bring other inquisitive minds together. "A day without learning is a day closer to death." OUCH I plan on learning something new every day."
I am hoping that many great people join and that it is awesome!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Sip n' Shop
I went to Sip n' Shop tonight. It was great! I got great deals scarfs for $3, Tupperware on Clearance and Mary Kay. I even got a free makeover. They had "Pole Fitness" demonstrations, tons of handbags and jewelry on display. Great music, nice people and a good atmosphere.
What is Sip n' Shop?
Sip n' Shop is the ULTIMATE shopping event for women! This Girls Night Out event is perfect for women 21 and over who love shopping, sipping, sampling, and socializing. Women should expect to have plenty of fun at "Sip n' Shop", because it just doesn't get any better than hanging out with the girls, having a cocktail, and shopping all under one roof! Expect a really great vibe filled with awesome music, relaxing complimentary pamper services, scrumptious cocktails, complimentary hors d'oeuvres, great give-a-ways, and unique designer deals from our 15+ vendors. Our emerging designers carry everything from jewelry, apparel, cosmetics, bath and body, accessories, candy couture and more! Also, the costs of the merchandise being sold, is significantly less than normal retail prices.
Don't miss out on this fabulous event...Get your tickets today and save!
Get your tickets now & save!
Ticket prices on line:
1 for $12
2 for $20
***ONLINE TICKET SALES NOW CLOSED***
*pre-sale ticket price includes our famous Sip n' Shop swag bag worth $50 or more!
*complimentary hors d'oeuvres!
*complimentary pamper treatments!
*Free raffle give-a-ways
*complimentary gift wrap
*$3 drink specials!
Ticket prices at the door: $20 each
At the door ticket price includes complimentary food, pamper treatments, & gift wrap, give-a-ways, & drink specials.
(however, swag bags are not guaranteed to be available)
Location:
The Courtyard Marriott
11525 Mission Vista Drive
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
(On 4th street behind BJ's Restaurant)
Time:
6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Date:
Friday
December 4, 2009
Sip n' Shop
Designers
* Ardyss International
* Scentsy Wickless Candles
* Springcart Boutique
* Scentsational Soaps
* She Makes Scents
* Brace Yourself Boutique
* Miche Bags
* Cookie Lee Jewelry
* Passion Parties
* Gigi Hill
* Deeply Rooted Apparel
* ChanCal
* Tracey Abrose W.R.A.P
* Tupperware
* Honey Child Designs
* Nana Queens
* Mary Kay Cosmetics
* Erama Custom Designs
* Individual Expressions
* Dove Chocolate Discoveries
* Relax and Wax
* Dandyline Fashions
* Purple Pockets
* 2nd Street Press
* Ebony Art Gallery
* Silpada Jewelry
* Dahlia's Boutique
* Rally Babe
* You are So Beautiful Conferences
* The Toi Box
* Peggy's Creations
* Motives
* Premier Designs
* The Duchess Club
* Satin Dollz
Sip n' Shop
Swag Bag Participants
* l'Amore Intimo
* Brace Yourself Boutique
* Cookie Lee Jewelry
* Passion Parties
* Miche Bags
* Mark.
* Mary Kay
* I.E. Style Magazine
* My Pretty Pink Box
* Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry
Sip n' Shop
Sponsors
* Brace Yourself Boutique
* Junior Diabetes Research Foundation (Inland Empire Chapter)
* Erama Custom Massage & Stone Therapy
* Starbucks Coffee Company (Ontario, CA)
Vendors, sponsors, and swag bag participants added almost daily!
Do you create, design, or sell unique, trendy, or designer items? If so, we'd like to speak to you! We are seeking stationery, apparel, shoes, and accessory vendors...if that's you and you'd like to vend at Sip n' Shop, email us!
Interested in becoming a vendor, or a corporate sponsor?
If so, contact us via email at info@BraceYourselfBoutique.com for more details.
Fashionista's should expect the ULTIMATE evening out for women &...
• The opportunity to network & meet fabulous fashionista's like yourself.
• An alternative atmosphere for an evening out with your girlfriends.
• Awesome shopping deals from several independent designers.
• Pamper sessions and private consultations.
• Fabulous give-a-ways and freebies.
• Swag bags valued at $50 or more.
• Complimentary hors d'oeuvres.
• Complimentary gift wrap station.
• Delicious specialty cocktails and more!
What is Sip n' Shop?
Sip n' Shop is the ULTIMATE shopping event for women! This Girls Night Out event is perfect for women 21 and over who love shopping, sipping, sampling, and socializing. Women should expect to have plenty of fun at "Sip n' Shop", because it just doesn't get any better than hanging out with the girls, having a cocktail, and shopping all under one roof! Expect a really great vibe filled with awesome music, relaxing complimentary pamper services, scrumptious cocktails, complimentary hors d'oeuvres, great give-a-ways, and unique designer deals from our 15+ vendors. Our emerging designers carry everything from jewelry, apparel, cosmetics, bath and body, accessories, candy couture and more! Also, the costs of the merchandise being sold, is significantly less than normal retail prices.
Don't miss out on this fabulous event...Get your tickets today and save!
Get your tickets now & save!
Ticket prices on line:
1 for $12
2 for $20
***ONLINE TICKET SALES NOW CLOSED***
*pre-sale ticket price includes our famous Sip n' Shop swag bag worth $50 or more!
*complimentary hors d'oeuvres!
*complimentary pamper treatments!
*Free raffle give-a-ways
*complimentary gift wrap
*$3 drink specials!
Ticket prices at the door: $20 each
At the door ticket price includes complimentary food, pamper treatments, & gift wrap, give-a-ways, & drink specials.
(however, swag bags are not guaranteed to be available)
Location:
The Courtyard Marriott
11525 Mission Vista Drive
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
(On 4th street behind BJ's Restaurant)
Time:
6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Date:
Friday
December 4, 2009
Sip n' Shop
Designers
* Ardyss International
* Scentsy Wickless Candles
* Springcart Boutique
* Scentsational Soaps
* She Makes Scents
* Brace Yourself Boutique
* Miche Bags
* Cookie Lee Jewelry
* Passion Parties
* Gigi Hill
* Deeply Rooted Apparel
* ChanCal
* Tracey Abrose W.R.A.P
* Tupperware
* Honey Child Designs
* Nana Queens
* Mary Kay Cosmetics
* Erama Custom Designs
* Individual Expressions
* Dove Chocolate Discoveries
* Relax and Wax
* Dandyline Fashions
* Purple Pockets
* 2nd Street Press
* Ebony Art Gallery
* Silpada Jewelry
* Dahlia's Boutique
* Rally Babe
* You are So Beautiful Conferences
* The Toi Box
* Peggy's Creations
* Motives
* Premier Designs
* The Duchess Club
* Satin Dollz
Sip n' Shop
Swag Bag Participants
* l'Amore Intimo
* Brace Yourself Boutique
* Cookie Lee Jewelry
* Passion Parties
* Miche Bags
* Mark.
* Mary Kay
* I.E. Style Magazine
* My Pretty Pink Box
* Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry
Sip n' Shop
Sponsors
* Brace Yourself Boutique
* Junior Diabetes Research Foundation (Inland Empire Chapter)
* Erama Custom Massage & Stone Therapy
* Starbucks Coffee Company (Ontario, CA)
Vendors, sponsors, and swag bag participants added almost daily!
Do you create, design, or sell unique, trendy, or designer items? If so, we'd like to speak to you! We are seeking stationery, apparel, shoes, and accessory vendors...if that's you and you'd like to vend at Sip n' Shop, email us!
Interested in becoming a vendor, or a corporate sponsor?
If so, contact us via email at info@BraceYourselfBoutique.com for more details.
Fashionista's should expect the ULTIMATE evening out for women &...
• The opportunity to network & meet fabulous fashionista's like yourself.
• An alternative atmosphere for an evening out with your girlfriends.
• Awesome shopping deals from several independent designers.
• Pamper sessions and private consultations.
• Fabulous give-a-ways and freebies.
• Swag bags valued at $50 or more.
• Complimentary hors d'oeuvres.
• Complimentary gift wrap station.
• Delicious specialty cocktails and more!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Autumn Leaves Monthly Writer's Meetup
Encaustic Painting
One of the classes that my crafters group did was Encaustic Painting. A group of us drove down to down town pasadena and learned the process. Encaustic painting, also known as hot wax painting, involves using heated beeswax to which colored pigments are added. The liquid/paste is then applied to a surface — usually prepared wood, though canvas and other materials are often used.
The simplest encaustic mixture can be made from adding pigments to beeswax, but there are several other recipes that can be used — some containing other types of waxes, damar resin, linseed oil, or other ingredients. Pure, powdered pigments can be purchased and used, though some mixtures use oil paints or other forms of pigment.
Metal tools and special brushes can be used to shape the paint before it cools, or heated metal tools can be used to manipulate the wax once it has cooled onto the surface. Today, tools such as heat lamps, heat guns, and other methods of applying heat allow artists to extend the amount of time they have to work with the material. Because wax is used as the pigment binder, encaustics can be sculpted as well as painted. Other materials can be encased or collaged into the surface, or layered, using the encaustic medium to adhere it to the surface.
It was fun experience and I loved learning something new. While we were waiting for our paintings to dry we went walking in downtown Pasadena. Then we went to luch at a vietnamese sandwich shop. I don't recomend going in there unless you either speak the languae or bring a translator. The food was good. Thier food is surprisingly very sweet.
I would post a picture of painting but it's stillnot dry yet.
The simplest encaustic mixture can be made from adding pigments to beeswax, but there are several other recipes that can be used — some containing other types of waxes, damar resin, linseed oil, or other ingredients. Pure, powdered pigments can be purchased and used, though some mixtures use oil paints or other forms of pigment.
Metal tools and special brushes can be used to shape the paint before it cools, or heated metal tools can be used to manipulate the wax once it has cooled onto the surface. Today, tools such as heat lamps, heat guns, and other methods of applying heat allow artists to extend the amount of time they have to work with the material. Because wax is used as the pigment binder, encaustics can be sculpted as well as painted. Other materials can be encased or collaged into the surface, or layered, using the encaustic medium to adhere it to the surface.
It was fun experience and I loved learning something new. While we were waiting for our paintings to dry we went walking in downtown Pasadena. Then we went to luch at a vietnamese sandwich shop. I don't recomend going in there unless you either speak the languae or bring a translator. The food was good. Thier food is surprisingly very sweet.
I would post a picture of painting but it's stillnot dry yet.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Floating Pearl Necklace
So I joined a new Meet up Group - The Art & Crafts Club. I went to my first class Wednesday night, and we made Floating Pearl Necklaces. It was a small group of 6 women. Trinh was the host, she was very nice and a great Teacher, very patient. There were 3 other women there from her work, myself, and Sherry (the crazy craft lady). I was surprised at how easy the technique was; it looked hard when looking at the necklace. Everyone in the group was very nice. I have to clarify when I say "Crazy Craft Lady" Sherry is one of those people that are so crafty and talented and kind of crazy. But you just can't help but love her. She wears tons of jewelry that she made herself (It's gorgeous). Below is a picture that resembles the necklace that I made. When Trinh posts the pictures I’ll post the real one on here.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Lobster Fest Review
We walked by where you sit and eat lobster (packed). Then we went over to the food booths to look for something the kids wanted to eat. We found $4 nachos and Corn on the cob, with $2 cans of soda and bottled water. Then we found a wall to sit on and eat. I ran over and got my lobster platter. The lobster came with a smashed roll, a cup of butter, a cup of watery Cole slaw and a spoon full of Cajun potatoes. The food was ok; I had some concerns that the lobster hadn't been cooked long enough.
We walked around a bit more, paid way to much for jelly filled churro's (that were not advertised as jelly filled until you bit into them) and then we decided to go home. On our way out we couldn't help but notice the extremely long line for lobster. Then the even longer line to get in, and the even longer line to get on the buses to go to the event. So I am definitely glade we had gotten there early and were leaving at 3:00. I heard they ran out of lobster at 5:00, considering they are open till 7:00 that is bad. I'm not surprised though - the night before they had the competition for the Guinness Book of World Records for the most Seafood Prepared at an outdoor event. Here is the official report on it:
Saturday, Sept 19 the Port of Los Angeles Lobster Festival surpassed the old record for The Most Seafood Prepared at an Outdoor Event of 3,835 lbs and one ounce in two hours and fifteen minutes, and at 9 pm set a new Guinness World Record of 12,527.4 lbs. Unlike the old record which included mostly sardines, but some other seafood as well, the Lobster Festival weighed only lobsters and nothing else.
Under the supervision of The Fine Living Network’s Chef Chris Cognac, aka The Hungry Detective, and Guinness Adjudicator Carlos Martinez, San Pedro Fish Markets cooked and prepared the meals.
The record setting meal was purchased by James Lam of Alhambra, California. Councilwoman Janice Hahn announced the new world record shortly after 9 pm in a ceremony in the lobster serving area.
The festival would like to thank all the dedicated people at the Port of Los Angeles who worked so hard behind the scenes to make this happen.
I wanted to thank David at Social Foodies Meetup Group for letting me know about this event. It was a great day to get out and walk around with the kids. I'm sorry that we didn't get to hang out more as a group. I just don't think this was an event where that was able to happen.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Port of Los Angeles Lobster Festival 2009
The 2009 Lobster Festival will be held on
September 18, 19 & 20 2009
at Ports O' Call Village, San Pedro CA
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA'S BEST ENTERTAINMENT BARGAIN!
The focus of the Lobster Festival is, of course, fresh steamed hot Maine lobster. A lot of people want to know why we don't serve Pacific lobster. The answer is simple: Pacific lobster is not in season during the fest.
There's lots to eat at the Port of Los Angeles Lobster Festival in addition to lobster. The menu varies from year to year depending on the vendors, but we usually have many other seafood items including steamed and fried clams, fried shrimp, shrimp cocktail, steamed mussels in wine and vegetable sauce, roast corn and all varieties of traditional fair food, all done in the California way.
If seafood isn't your thing, then you can dine on the finest ribs or tri-tip, chicken, Jamaican, Chinese, Thai and other international foods and desserts. Beer and wine is also available (responsible drinking and proof of age is strictly enforced).
In addition to the excellent food choices available there are many vendors exhibiting arts, crafts, and other goods that can only be found at the Festival. Several handmade, one-of-a-kind items can be found at the various booths.
If you look on there website you can print a $2 off coupon for admission - making it only $7 to get in.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Dating Sites
E-harmony is a complete rip off. You have to go through this hour long survey (personality test) then they bug you about joining which cost $268. They display these great monthly prices and then when you read the 3 point font and see that it's all paid up front that’s were they get you. You have to subscribe for at least 3 months, but they say on there over and over again that it will take up to 6 months for you to find the one! If you don't sign up then they send you matches but you can only see the basic results of there personality test and that’s all. You have to sign up for the premium packages to see photos and communicate. It's not worth the time unless you are going to financially commit.
12 Month - Billed in one installment of $287.40 $23.95/ month I prefer 3 payments of $95.80
6 Month - Billed in one installment of $203.70 $33.95/ month I prefer 3 payments of $67.90
3 Month - Billed in one installment of $134.85 $44.95/ month I prefer 3 payments of $44.95
$15.99/mo for 6 months (Save 47%) Best Price. Plus our 6-Month Promise $95.94 billed every 6 months
$19.99/mo for 3 months (Save 33%) $59.97 billed every 3 months
$29.99 per month $29.99 billed every 1 month
If he doesn't drive - then he's not going anywhere. If he drives a bicycle - then he's not going anywhere any time soon.
If he drives a motorcycle - then he's going somewhere fast and alone.
If he drives a 2 seater truck - then he's going somewhere pumpy, & bringing a lot of crap with him.
If he's driving anything with 4 doors - then he has friends, is ready to settle down, and open for children.
If he drives a mini-van - then he's divorced, has kids, but is still a good guy.
If he drives a van with no windows - then run!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Salsa
So I went and signed up with meetup.com, a singles website that has events that people can go to to meet other singles, so I joined a group. First I was intimidated because I wasn't sure what event to go to (your suppose to go to at least one per month). Do you go to a really crowded one and just watch whats going on, do you go to a small one, etc... So my choices were Salsa Mondays, a small affair, Drinking Thursdays, I don't drink so I think that's out, or the annual beach BBQ day where everybody goes, well that sounded like a blast but, that is scheduled for the day of my Mom's birthday party so that wont work. So I picked Salsa.
I got there a little early I wasn't sure how long it would take. I went outside where the hostesses son and another guy were playing ping pong, so I watched. More people showed up, everyone was very nice, then we finally got started with the Salsa lesson. There were 10 men and 7 women. We learned the steps and then we partnered up and practiced till we got it right. We did switch partners quite often so it was good to mix it up and get to dance with everyone.
It was a little warm that night and dancing is great exercise, so got tired fast. It was great fun though. I will definitely go again next week, but I'm bringing a large jug of ice water. I'm glad I picked a small event for my first, now I at least know a couple of people for next time.
I got there a little early I wasn't sure how long it would take. I went outside where the hostesses son and another guy were playing ping pong, so I watched. More people showed up, everyone was very nice, then we finally got started with the Salsa lesson. There were 10 men and 7 women. We learned the steps and then we partnered up and practiced till we got it right. We did switch partners quite often so it was good to mix it up and get to dance with everyone.
It was a little warm that night and dancing is great exercise, so got tired fast. It was great fun though. I will definitely go again next week, but I'm bringing a large jug of ice water. I'm glad I picked a small event for my first, now I at least know a couple of people for next time.
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