Challenge #1: Structure with 'Legs'

For the month of January, my sister Erika and I are challenging each other to complete a drawing every day... well, every other day (since we're alternating days). More about the challenge at our joint art blog, Arting Through Limbo

Challenge #1: Structure with 'Legs'

All the Good Ones are Taken

Since moving to Houston, I have become painfully aware of the crappy public transportation system here. Granted I'm coming from Chicago which, despite all the bitching and moaning I heard about the CTA while I was there, was really quite a fantastic way to get around... especially for someone with a fear of driving. Yeah, okay I admit it. Just the other night I said to Ben, "Hey, I know this is sort of after the fact, but could you please refrain from announcing to total strangers and partygoers that I can't drive and don't have a license? I'm really sensitive about it and it makes me feel like a freak." I didn't mention it then, but it also brought to mind that moment in Clueless when Cher tells Tai that she doesn't think she and Josh "mesh well" and Tai bitterly responds by reminding Cher that she shouldn't be listening to her advice anyway since she's "a virgin who can't drive." Waaaay harsh.

But hey it's a real phobia! And look, this somewhat credibility-lacking article claims that "Fear of driving is probably one of the most common phobias nowadays." Phew (btw, I love that 'probably' in there... you know, just in case it's not at all common and I am, in fact, a freak.)
But anyway this isn't about my fear of driving. It's about a little encounter I had while waiting at the bus stop. Apparently, all you need to do to find a hot date in this city is wait for the #34...

It's a pleasantly cool Houston morning, I'm the only person waiting at the bus stop. I'm going to a fitness class I signed up for and of course, the bus is taking FOREVER to get here. I check my phone, then put it away. I take my phone out again, look at the time, then put it away. I take my phone out, no new messages, put it away. Take out my phone and call the studio to tell them I'm on my way, but might be a couple of minutes late. I'm told this is no problem, as it looks like I'm the only one signed up for the class, so it'll probably be one-on-one. This is both reassuring and a little terrifying. Cars are speeding past (Montrose is a busy street), when I see a shiny red sports car drive past me, slow down just slightly, then turn down the side street to park in the parking lot less than 10 feet behind me. I think nothing of it, then hear someone open a car door and yell...

Dude: Hey, excuse me.
[assuming he's talking to someone else, I make no response]
Dude: [louder] Excuse me?
Me: [turns around] Yes?
Dude: ...You here for breakfast?
{Yeah, I'm waiting at the bus stop for fucking breakfast, what???}
Me: Uh... I'm sorry?
Dude: Are you getting breakfast here? [points to a restaurant across the street]
Me: Ohh, no. [turns back around]
Dude: ...Have you had breakfast?
{groooooan}
Me: [turns around] Yep.
Dude: You already had breakfast?
Me: Yes, I already had breakfast.
Dude: Okay okay, I don't want to make you uncomfortable.
Me: No, it's cool, I've just already had breakfast.
Dude: So, you heading to work?
Me: Nope.
Dude: ...Going to class?
Me: [hesitates, nods head]
Dude: You a student?
Me: [sigh] Nooo.
Dude: .......Going to a yoga class?
{The truth is, I'm going to a 'chair dancing' class at a pole dancing studio, but I somehow rethink the need to be 100% honest in favor of saving myself from an increasingly awkward conversation about sensual dance.}
Me: Yeah.
Dude: Yeah? I've been wanting to take a yoga class, or pilates or something.
Me: Yeah? You should, it's fun.
Dude: Yeah, but I just don't have the time for it. I work a lot, I'm in the oil industry, and I travel quite a bit for work, so it's hard to sign up for classes.
Me: Yeah. You could do it at home, like rent videos? Or do you have Netflix?
Dude: Nahhh, plus I really need the instruction [chuckles]. I mean, if I don't even know what leg goes where, I don't think I could handle video instruction.
Me: Ha ha, yeahhh [nods]. Hmm.
Dude: So is the class far? How'd you hear about it?
Me: Uh, it's up on like, Dallas? I don't know, I think I yelped it.
Dude: How long you been going there?
Me: Not that long, I actually just moved here.
Dude: Oh yeah?! Where from?
Me: Chicago.
Dude: Oh wow, I love Chicago. I've been there a bunch for work.
Me: Yeah it's great, I really miss it.
Dude: I've never spent more than a couple days there, but it seems cool.
Me: Oh yeah, there's always a lot going on, and it's really easy to get around there, especially without a car. Definitely miss that.
Dude: Oh yeah, man. You kind of need a car here. The bus sucks.
Me: [raises eyebrows and nods, knowingly]
Dude: I went to that one hotel, the one that's like, right on that main stretch along the lake. It's been there since the 1800s or something, it's really old...
Me: Uh, I don't know... It's on Michigan?
Dude: Yeah, it's along the lake... oh! The Drake?
Me: Oh, yeah The Drake.
Dude: Yeah, I went there, sat at the bar, had a drink in one hand, felt all classy. It was cool. The waiter told me I needed to get me one of those suits hanging in the window. And I was like, 'yeah man, you mean one of those five thousand dollar suits' ha haaa. Man.
Me: Ha, yeahhhh.
Dude: But man, it gets cold there!
Me: [nods] Very true, very true.
Dude: Well Chicago. Chicago, that's cool. How long you been here, you like it?
Me: About two months. It's... okay [laughs].
Dude: You move here alone?
{smoooth}
Me: Nope, I'm married.
Dude: Maaaan! All the good ones are taken [chuckles and shakes head]. Wow. Well, I was wondrin'.
Me: Yeahhh, sorry.
Dude: Well, you can't blame me for trying, you're very attractive.
Me: [cringing, shakes head and looks down] Ehhh, thank you.
Dude: You can not blame me for tryin'.
Me: [shakes head] I don't blame you for trying.
Dude: So you guys move here for work?
Me: Yeah, for my husband's job.
Dude: Man, married [shakes his head again]. Well, that's cool. So I don't suppose I can ask you for your number?
Me: [cringing again, shakes head] Ehh, I'm sorry. I just... I don't think he'd appreciate that very much.
Dude: So I can't hook up with you, you got any friends I can hook up with?
Me: Not really, I mean I just moved here, I don't really know anyone, sorry.
Dude: You sure I can't take you to breakfast? I mean, just to have some female company would be nice.
Me: [feeling sort of sorry] Thank you, I really can't.
Dude: Well, I had to try, I had to try. [extends his hand] I'm Ken, by the way.
Me: [shakes his hand] Allison.
Dude: It's nice to meet you. [steps back] Sooo... you're like... 21? [staring hard]
Me: Ha ha ha ha ha, [shakes head] no.
Dude: Not 21? ...Older than 21 [raises eyebrows]?
Me: Yes, older. I'm 27.
Dude: [shakes head] You don't look 27.
Me: Hmm, thank you?
Dude: Well, I am a LOT older than you.
Me: Oh yeah?
Dude: Yeah.
Me: Like... 35 maybe?
Dude: [chuckles, grins] Bless your heart. I knew I liked you [chuckles]. I'm 43.
Me: No waaay.
Dude: [gets out his drivers license and passes it to me]
Me: [quickly glances at the card] Huh. You don't lie.
{after about 10 minutes of this awkward small talk, some of which involving his work and his sisters and a random story about receiving a dental cleaning down in Mexico, my bus finally pulls up}
Dude: Well, it's nice to meet you... You suuuure I can't get your number???
Me: Ha ha, I'm sure. It was nice to meet you.
Dude: Maybe I'll see you around here again?
Me: Maybe, you never know. It was nice talking to you. [gets on the bus]
Dude: It was nice talking to you, too. Take care, Allison.
[The doors to the bus close and I turn around to see the female bus driver giving me a knowing smirk. Yep, I turned down a free breakfast.]

Do-Division Street Fest!!!

I've been rather bad about posting lately. In part, it might have something to do with the excessive crafting that MUST GET DONE BEFORE NEXT WEEKEND! I (fuzzy grapefruit) will be selling my handmade goods at...

Do Division Street Fest

June 5th & 6th, 12 noon - 10pm

Division Street (from Ashland to Leavitt)

Come out and say 'hello', or better yet say 'hello' AND purchase something cute and whimsical from me (need I mention that Father's Day is fast-approaching? I will, indeed, have no fewer than two highly masculine notecard designs to choose from)

And for the ladies, I have new bookboard designs! Here's a sneak peek at a few of the new drawings that will be available for purchase in the form of earrings and pendants:

It'll be lots of fun, hope to see you there!

Two-Craft Minimum: Awesome Artists

Chicago Style Crafters' very first show, "Two Craft Minimum" is just around the corner (May 1st)! We in the CSC have been working hard to promote and talk up the event, and I've been busy making notecards and sketchbooks, but I wanted to take a couple of minutes to promote some of the beautiful work of my fellow crafters and artisans. Here's a sneak peek at some of the fantastic goods you'll find at the Two-Craft Minimum show:

Melissa & Zoe's one-of-a-kind notebook keychains are totally romantic

I'm in love with this beautiful print by Madame Platypus

This 2-sided starfish pendant necklace by Something Beautiful is awesome (and reversible!!)

Nothing says "badass" like Spinal Fusion's rifle shell earrings

Milton and Margie's soy candles are perfect for adding a little warmth to your home

Swallow Kisses tattoo-inspired jewelry is both adorable and edgy, love them!

Cranky Pickle's bottlecap magnets and buttons are super-cute and earth-friendly

To see all of these awesome artists (and more) come check out the show:

Chicago Style Crafters Present: Two-Craft Minimum!

Saturday May 1st, 4:30 pm - 9 pm

Cole's Bar, 2338 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago

*bring a valid ID (we're in a bar)!

Handmade Market @ Empty Bottle THIS SATURDAY

Just a reminder: fuzzy grapefruit will be at the Handmade Market in Chicago on this Saturday, February the 13th from 12pm - 4pm. I'm sharing a table with the absolutely awesome (and girl-crush-worthy) Melissa Rutherfoord from Melissa & Zoe, and I've been crafting up a storm, so it should be pretty awesome. And just in case you've waited till the last minute to purchase something lovely for your special someone, fear not! I'll have plenty of Valentine-themed notecards available, and there will be lots of other cool sellers to choose from (check the official Handmade Market site for a full list of sellers.) Yippee!

CHA Winter Convention & Trade Show

I just recently went to Anaheim, California to attend the CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) Winter Convention & Trade Show. Ahh, how I love winter conventions in warm climates. I was there, working with Paper House Productions, a scrapbooking company located in Upstate New York, to assist with their "Make & Takes". "Make & Takes" are fun mini-projects that you show attendees how to make at your company booth to learn more about your line of products. This year, we made Wizard of Oz home decor projects and boy, did people go crazy for them! Day 1 was Glinda the Good Witch (which was so popular, we ran out of them), day 2 was the Wicked Witch of the West (which we ran out of by 2 o'clock), and day 3 was Dorothy Gale (which we also ran out of by about 2 o'clock). So all in all, I think they were a big success. And although I don't consider myself much of a scrapbooker, I am totally inspired by all the great projects and products I saw. Hopefully in the near future, you'll be seeing some uploads of three-dimensional paper illustrations (something I've been dying to try my hand at, and now feel confident to attempt). Happy crafting, everyone!

Obsessed With: Treehouse Point

...Tell me this image doesn't make you swoon. I stumbled onto Treehouse Point (located twenty two miles outside of Seattle, Washington) through one of my favorite blogs, "A Cup of Jo" and now I am totally obsessed. The idea of living in trees has always been really appealing to me. In middle school, I got to move into my older sister's room when she went off to college. The room was at the end of the house on the top floor, and next to the bed were windows that looked out onto our backyard. The trees that had been growing there were quite old, their statuesque figures branching close to the house. In the summer, I would stay up late at night and open the windows, imagining I was living in some sort of treehouse bungalow.

It reminds me of the "Tree World" in Myst or Endor. Totally crunchy and totally romantic :)

[Photo: jasfitz]

Crafting Eden, Here I Come!

This weekend, I'm heading to the CHA (Craft & Hobby Association) Winter Convention & Trade Show, and I'm super excited. It's the world's largest professional craft and hobby show, will feature over 600 exhibitors, and did I mention it's in Southern California!? Take that, Chicago! Just to get an idea of how much awesome arts and crafts supplies I'll be able to oogle (yes, I said 'oogle'), check out the exhibitor directory. That's a LOT of stuff. Thank goodness I don't have the right kind of licenses to purchase anything.

Anyway, should be a fun time. I'll be sure to come back with a head full of ideas and craft-gadget-envy (and photos, of course).

3 Exciting Things

I hate Tuesdays. To me, they represent the badness that comes BEFORE the badness of Wednesdays. So in an effort to rid myself of that icky Tuesday feeling, my roommate Brian and I headed over to a little cafe down the street from our apartment, called The Flower Flat Cafe. I read a newspaper. I finished another 2 chapters in my library book. I ingested an entire pot of COFFEEEEE. I ate a croissant. It was great. The ladies at The Flower Flat are really nice and the environment is totally the kind of place you'd want to be if you had to write a paper or sketch out ideas for a few hours. Next time I go back I'll have to order a sandwich, because they looked really tasty. Also? Totally reasonably priced! Your own little french press (which was not so little), a croissant, and a cup of soup for $7 and change. That's my kind of spendin'!

Upon returning home, I had the strange uncontrollable urge to get out my oboe. So I did. Now, let me stress the fact that I really do not play oboe anymore. Once I got to college it just became something that I never really made time for. I promised myself I wouldn't totally give it up, but days became weeks, weeks turned to months (you know how the rest of this goes) and before I knew it, I hadn't played in 5 years. It sometimes haunts me a little. I'll be sitting on the el and I'll realize that I'm absent-mindedly practicing scales with my fingers. Or I'll catch a sneaky couple of measures running through my head from a piece I once played long ago. I do wish I still played. I do wish I was still good. My embouchure has really deteriorated, my breath support sucks, I can't remember fingerings for some of the high notes, but all in all, it didn't sound too bad. Who knows, maybe I'll magically gain some determination and start practicing again. That would be something, wouldn't it?

The third (SUPER) exciting thing is that my metal smithing tools have arrived!!!!!!! GAAAAH!!! (Do you sense the excitement I'm feeling)?? I haven't even opened the box yet, I was so ecstatic I had to write about it. So yeah, that awesome bf of mine bought me tools as a belated birthday present. Under normal circumstances, I would dissuade you fellows out there from buying your ladies something as unromantic as a drill press (and I might still dissuade you if your lady has no interest in drilling holes in things), but I've been pretty obnoxious lately with my whining about a lack of jewelry making equipment in my life. So weeeeeeeeeee, expect to see lots of new things with little holes drilled out of them sometime soon!