Photo update…

Alrighty. So… The above kind of sums up the end of summer…. Panic!/Fall Out Boy/ Blink 182 concert… Hanging at the Discovery Center with my bro and his gf … Hitting up a drawing class recently. I havent really felt like updating…

But alot has happened. This past week and upcoming week and all of october I guess are pretty busy. LOTS of fun stuff.

The girlies came up to see the Miley Cyrus concert. That was exciting and then while we were at the Pumpkin Patch… It snowed. WTF.

Also… I found a kite fest!!!

I am happy to say in full confidence… That I am completely over, done with and tired of a certian person from my past. It took awhile, but with a little help (unbeknownst to them… ) I pulled through. Not to say that I wont be his friend, but things… dynamics.. back home have changed, and I dont know how to approach that. People arent really spelling things out for him and he continues and dosent learn and change.

Moving on…

This weekend I am going to see WILCO with some pals in chicago. Stoked for that. Staying the night out there on sunday. Should be wicked awesome.

Just watched Adventureland.  Loved it. Its one of the only movies I can think of that is about college age/college grads (im sure there are plenty out there, but this one resonated with me). It was strange to see young folks at a bar.. as opposed to house parties … legally drinking.  I get tired of the high school party scene always showing up.  Not that its that big of an issue, but this had a real feel too it and I appreciated it.  Not to mention the rollover minutes kid. LOVE him.. too funny.

What else. Made some awesome knits recently… no pics right now… I cant find them : ( Ill work on that later. Um… I got my one year pin from Lifetouch <3 woohoo! My sister graduated… double woohoo… I won a peoples choice contest with my pic! and. . . . . .  hair cut! hip hip horray. Oh Sister turned 21 as well sometime in there …

Now Im off to update “100 movies list” and “1001 things” list…

loves
Amy Jo

ps. im missing YOU..

Long time no see…

Hello out there to my far and few between readers. Its been awhile. In the past month there has been alot going on. And not so much internet access until today when I realized that the ethernet cable does indeed fit into that spot in the wall.

First of all. Mom, Andrew and Skylar came up to visit and we went and saw Panic At the Disco, Fall Out Boy and Blink 182. GREAT great concert. Ill update with a whole post of just pictures in a few days here.

Then. We had to move. Andrew and Skylar helped while they were here, but that was just a dent.  The week I went back to work at Lifetouch was the week we actually had to get out of the old place. So. pack, go down stairs, load, up 3 flights of stairs. Repeat. Dad and my Aunt Noreen came around to help with that. SO. Now we are in an apt closer to the Marquette area, one bedroom, but plenty of space. I had soooo much trouble getting the internet figured out and now I am afraid of getting a 99$ charge for an early termination fee for both the old place and this place because I didnt know we got it free here. Sigh.

So yeah, work has started back up again THANK God, and I am loving getting back into the swing of things.  AND loving the paycheck that I can actually spend on myself and misc. things because rent is taken care of. I got a GPS for work and travel in general, which is going to be lots of fun. I might consider dipping into the world of geocaching. Back to being back at work… Im loving being in more of a mentor position rather than the mentee. Theres a bunch of cool people around this time at work.

Thats about all there is really to catch up on. Lots of little things here and there.

Things I’m looking forward to: FALL!!! , Continuing Tony’s Senior Pics, This art piece im working on,  Going to the beach tomorrow, Going home in sept for a visit, visiting my cousin during is first few weeks away at school… and then some. OH and WILCO in Chicago in October!!!

Searching for *something*

You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” ~Buddha

The creative person is both more primitive and more cultivated, more destructive and more constructive, a lot madder and a lot saner, than the average person. - Frank Barron

I tried to start this blog off with some sort of “inspiration”. I looked around the net for not too long to find some nice quotes… and these 2 stood out for me. The first, relating slightly to a situation with a “friend” and how I need to view the situation. I don’t need this person to dote on. I need to give myself that love, in which I am more deserving than I let myself believe, instead of tirelessly and unconditionally to them. I know that my “problem” is primarily that I do not have an outlet for the emotions previously poured out (more like built up and kept out of the way because I never felt like I could let any of that show, heaven forbid they get in a relationship… oh wait… they did, but it sure wasn’t me). Anyways, obviously I have issues with this, but the distance is good if only for that situation.
And the second quote… supports why I seem to get so worked up about things, amongst other things it may ‘explain’. I AM and artist. I have an overwhelming urge to create, to feel, to experience, to love, and with that driving me… and not always being able to properly express myself.. I do find myself relating very well to that quote. That being said, I hope to be able to find outlets of expression that until now I have not allowed or not been able to have.  I need to consciously make an effort to express/create. What am I going to do? Im not sure yet. The knitting/crochet thing ususally numbs the urge momentarily as it is an act of creation… but summertime is not the best time for that. I am desparately clinging to the fact that I will have a studio once I move home. I need that space.  Also, I have every intention of getting back into fine art photography and hopefully with the help of some friends, do some portfolio work for portrait photography.

AND…! I ordered a guitar today. It will just have to be my cheap-o version for now. But it is blue and will be just fine until I can save up and get good enough to deserve a better/different one. So.. that can be an outlet as well. Hopefully I can incorporate music into my studio space as well. I would love to have numerous instruments out there in which myself and company can create whatever the moment requires. As I said.. I need this space. It is the only thing I am really looking forward to when I get home.  Besides the obvious *which is the people duh*
and…. I need to start writing. Im thinking lyrics, but maybe a good start would be plays, as that is what I know how to do.. kinda…

Thats it for the creative spurt sort of moment Im having. In other news…. SUMMERFEST is DONE!!! O.M.G. what the heck was I thinking?!?! I saw a few cool people and worked with some nice folks, but I was just plain exhausted and disgusting after those 11 days. I saw KISS get into thier getaway car, I saw the guitarist/singer of Chavelle on his ciggy break and I think I got a pick that belonged to him. I saw Bob Dylan during “like a rolling stone”, I heard/saw No Doubt sing “dont speak” and almost cried, and heard Kid Rock do a couple songs. But for the most part I was stuck in a bathroom. I almost gave up on it. But I knew I had committed to it, and I was NOT going to give up. So, I stuck it out. Thats about all there is to the story : /

Also, my sister and I are looking for an apartment to almost no avail. Hopefully something will work out for us here soon. The problem we are running into is that no one wants people moving in in aug. only to move out in dec.  Mom got a new house. Thats kinda exciting. AND BJ (long lost half brother) and his wife Carey are having a baby! Im gonna be an aunt!

I think thats about it.  Now heres a couple pictures from the past few weeks (month??)

The first one is from going out with friends saturday night and the other is sunday night sparklers! <3
Till next time my loves!

~A to the Jo

New Projects!

Soda tab belt. Most likely.. .definitely for my brother.

Close up on closure detail

And a scrap burning hat that could possibly fit  a small human, but not really an adult.

Thats about all for this lovely gray monday.  This week looks to be pretty busy. Hopefully thats a good thing. Also, my horoscope promises a new love interest today.  . . I’ll believe it when I see it.

A list of lists (with some pics to boot)

ok. so I have got quite a few things on my mind lately. Some I can talk about. Some that I cant. Alot of it has to deal with the future (technically isnt everything that isnt *right now* the future…) Anyways. The -post summer/post winter- future is that which I am talking about. The point in life in which I make that journey home after a year away off in the “Real World”.  Im looking forward to it. I have learned alot here. I have gain alot of insight and put some things into proper perspective. Big City living is nothin without your closest and best. Electronic communication just dosent cut it. Babies grow up to be 6 years old in no time. And if you arent there, they won’t remember you being there ever. As much as I dont want to believe is “out of sight out of mind” is true for some of my friend. One in particular… but I’m not going to get into that. The end of that story, played out like a Checkov drama… without the final climax… is finally over.  Im ready to write my own story. BUT to get there I will need to pull from some of my most invaluable resources. And. I have a lot of lists.

List 1. The list of lists.
1. Summer *should* do list
2. Fall/Winter *should* do list
3. YAY IM MOVING HOME what kinda party am I gonna have list.
4. I have a 2.5 car garage to call my own (well… part of it is storage…) What do I want to do with it… and how.
5. Wish List.

1. Summer Should Do List.
a.  Reduce “stuff” in apartment ( throw away, gift, etc.. means less to move when it comes time to move in august)
b. When I do have free time… MAKE stuff. Get prepped for craft fairs.
c. Use my sewing machine.
d. Finish a book or 2.
e. Super secret mission one.
f. Super secret mission two.
g. Have a party.

(ok. so that was just more rambling than I would have liked… but… I expect little from this summer other than working hard at SUMMERFEST)

2 Fall/Winter Should Do List.
a. Move.
b. Get by.
c. Go out on the town more as Meghan will finally be 21.
d. Craft Fair.
e. Be prepared to transfer back to Iowa within Lifetouch.
f. Good Camera???! Please??!
g. Be prepared for the move back home.
h. Move back home and then rock it like a hurricane.
i. Celebrate 25th bday in style.
j. Continued super secret missions.

3. Party!!
a. ok. not so much a list as a brainstorm. Too many occasions/reasons to party and methods to do so.
b. New years.
c. Birthday.
d. Homecoming.
e. out on the town.
f. @my new digs
g. the usual.
h. Meh. not really an issue.  I’ll figure it out later.

4. My New Digs.
a. Photo studio.
b. Gathering Space.
c. Artist Space.
d. What I need/want for the room.

1. Lighting
2. Backgrounds (can be easily thrifted) tyedye, cans, cds, old wood, you name it…
3. Storage options. (plastic drawers, totes etc for props/equipment/materials)
4. Technolgical hookups (wireless internet, music/atmospheric sounds etc…)
5. Large area rugs and large pillows.
6. Stereo system
7. Projector.
8. Grafitti wall.
9. Table Space.
10. Items from forthcoming wish list, especially anything musically inclined.
11. Weights?
12. Ping pong table would totally work in here… and we have one! woot. (ithink i just won)

5. WISH LIST.
a. I am lusting after a blue acoustic guitar.
b. and matching mandolin.
c. An awful looking aged piano would be magnificent not only for music making, but photography as well.
d. xylophone.
e. homemade thumb pianos.
f. Altoid tin guitars too.
g. hand drums.
h. any hand made instruments.
i. Digital SLR. (big one on the list…. big one…)
j. Computer programs for sound recording and possible mixing (although last on the list of wants kinda… this is more leisure than what i really do)
k. Doorbell that is hooked up to strung lights.
l. Darkroom system that actually works.
m. light equipment galore.
n. Clients.
o. printers to print my own digital prints.
p. might have to lock up and insure this shack in the back. (yard)
q. Tap shoes?

I think that is plenty for now. Its a good way for me to get it all out there and then have something to refrence to later. If you have any suggestions for any of the lists that you think I might be missing, let me know. (yarn is always on my wish list… no need to list it! lol)

I can’t wait to get home.

And now for some pics from when I did go home last….

Thats all my loves. Thanks for stopping by!

A.Jo.

EDIT: after posting… I realized I forgot to mention the whole “what im really going to do while back in Iowa…” stuff. Ill get to that at a later date. Includes working at school with a teacher who meant alot to me doing the theatre thing. Close to muh heart that job will be <3

The end of a chapter is now in sight.

Just as new beginnings are upon me! I’ve got Summerfest coming up soon and working at the Rep.  starts up momentarily. Just today during the ‘work performance’ meeting, I mentioned not coming back for the spring.  Art and Jen said it should be no problem to transfer over… so long as they are hiring. I really really hope it works out.  I have loved working with all of these guys, but I can’t work so hard only to just barely have enough to pay rent. So Im planning on heading back to Iowa and working there.  I would then be able to invest in myself.  If we get this house mom is talking about (98% secured) I would then have access to a 2+ car garage that was not meant for cars, as there is no driveway for it, as my studio space. I have been sooooo excited about this. AND… If its at all possible, there is the potential for a darkroom in the basement. It would probably only be prints, not negatives… but I think I could deal with that. I would love to get back into that. Not only would I have a studio, that could act as my ‘living’ space as well. Where I could go to hang with friends maybe get an acting group together… whatever! Im excited.

Now I just have to figure out what camera to get, because my lil’ point and shoot isnt going to cut it.  I think Im going to stick with Canon, as that is the brand and formatting that I am used to.  And I’m talking digital at this point. I have a Canon film camera, and it works just fine, I would use that should i get a darkroom. Also for personal shots.

I need to start talking to my friends who know business. I gotta figure out what I have to do, business wise, to do this freelancing stuff.  All and all I feel like things are just falling into place. <3

Beach Pictures

And that was then day at the beach.

Love.

(and our group at the Zoo on Mothers Day)

A new day

Happy first day of May! Nothing much around here going on. Just a few little changes here and there. First of all, my day job is pretty much done. Zip, zilch, nada hours. Only hours from Lifetouch are on the weekends should there be a prom. Then there is JCP. I ususally get 3-9 hours TOPS a week. Thankfully, the REP telemarketing is going to start up again and I will be doing that. But that isnt until about the 17th. AND….. Drumroll please…. I have been hired to work for summerfest and that will lead hopefully to working the other festivals over summer as well!!!! YAY! bring on the sunshine.

Faith on Easter

Dani and Jayde on Easter

I just finally uploaded a few weeks worth of pics… not that many, but a few. Here are some from easter when I got to see Shay and Dani (and thier respective daughters…)I hadnt seen the girls in sooo long. It was nice to see them. I hope to see them again soon! Another little girl that Im missing muchly is Little Miss Emily.

A few weeks ago as well, I did the Gallery Night thing. Topher and Lauren being my primary visits… congrats to them!

I’m still figuring out this whole… editing thing with the blog and all. Please forgive the strange layouts.

Lets see. What else. I have been drawn again back to Tarot. I have been looking into some of my past readings and contemplating doing some more.  All in part to finding a group on Ravelry that is not only a knitting group, but tarot as well. I’m looking into getting a new deck too. It is stunning. The Bohemian Gothic Tarot Card set

I am excited for what this change in months/seasons may bring. Im looking forward to a new pace with things involving work. Maybe I’ll get back into some photography again. I dont know. Maybe some theatre. This is my first summer where I am not really at home. First summer where I still have to work to pay rent. It will be a new experience. It might be tough… but I’m sure things will work themselves out just fine.

Till then.

Today is such a Beautiful day!!!

Im sitting in my room, all 3 windows open. It is WARM!!! this is soooo exciting. I love it. It is about darn time too.  I should have gone outside to play today, but I had things to do. I just finished getting all pretty for my first dance of the season. Apparently I am going to be a photographer rather than assistant/keychain photog. tonight. Im nervous.. but it will be ok. Its a girl scout dance… slightly less pressure than a prom. That will be tomorrow.

Cliffs hat

Im working on this AWESOME… awesome hat. Im pretty sure this one is for Sadia. I love it. to pieces….  its almost just like her daddy’s hat.

In other new… I got ahold of Summerfest people and they said that I was sent something on Monday and I was asked to work for them.  Im sooooooo excited! There are some nice perks that come with the job too… Like… all access for the most part. Im just Stoked to have this job. I will be outside, among people, within all that energy for 11 days. AND if that goes alright, they ask you back for the other summer festivals. EEEEK!!!

Sadi’s Hat

Im going to take a moment to express my love for the Ravelry website. I lOOOOOVE it! I have found soooo many patterns and such and my inspiration keeps growing. Speaking of things knitty and inspiration.. Im trying to come up with something to get together by the fall. A large installation of sorts maybe… or collection of smaller items… Colin said he would like to work on this with me (to what extent, Im not sure…). But when I search the net for some fiber artist before me… I have a hard time finding much.  I want to do gallery work. Not necessarly a large blanket, or outfit. I want to do something bizarre, with a message… or something. Im not for sure. But I find it disheartening that I can find much within the genre.

Well. Im off to get the camera stuffs and pick up Meghan… and drop her off at work (yay) and then head to the dance.  I hope you are enjoying your beautiful day!!

~ Amy Jo

Book List for 1001 days…

This will be a list of books that I have read in the time that I do the 1001 days challange.

1. The Left Hand of Darkness, Ursula LeGuin