a list

haircuts

boxer shorts

bright eyes

freckles on the nose


cameras

cabins

suitcases

time


plants

books

fooling around

schedules


gestures

glass screens

notepads

happy smiles

dear dave,

Still super cold outside, which leads to dry skin, sleepy eyes, and the desire to nestle (only). Late start this morning - tending to Hexy and his cold.

NYE fast approaching. Excited for the reboot. A chance to start over, and become the person (boyfriend, son, friend, dog owner, artist, gym-goer) I always hope and desire to be.

Here's to new beginnings. It's always nice to have a fresh page!

Introducing: CARDS!

new for 2010

dear dave,

Ha - I had two classic dreams combined last night.

I was about to take a final exam for a math class that I skipped the whole semester, AND I was naked. I just remember searching everywhere for a t-square. For some reason that was needed on the test. And as I walked into class, I realized I was naked. Suddenly I had a sweatshirt to tie around my waste, but it wasn't covering well. HA! classic. I was panicked. But I was determined to take that test anyway - knowing I would fail.

These are dreams I love waking up from. All the fear just washes away.

Having coffee with Beverly this morning, so I better be on my way...

ps - did well eating better yesterday, until we went to Sheon's and I discovered the sugar cookies we brought over for Christmas Eve. I plunged right into them without a thought.

DETOX

dear dave,

the food I've allowed myself to eat the past few days is disgusting. Not long ago I I was too concerned about my health to even eat a slice of pepperoni pizza. Ok, maybe it's been longer then "not too long ago".

I was at a reception for Hex's parents, and there were wrapped mints (sugar puffs) on the table, and I could not stop eating them. Thankfully, I felt sick to my stomach driving home. My body told me it had had enough SUGAR for the year, and so hopefully I will be making changes. Its IMPOSSIBLE to stop altogether, especially with a boyfriend. It just is. But hopefully I can get back on the moderation wagon. I feel like a slug!

-----

Nice to be back to work, and feeling free to do whatever. A blessing I know. Working on site, and hopefully drawing ALOT. Seriously need new content.

Big change still simmering on back burner, but hopefully it will come together (go Tom!)

dear dave,

sitting here at the studio, crunching on Snyder's pretzels in my big giant coat, surfing all my favorite sites. A perfect time to look back, and think about the future:

It's been a big year of change for me. Working totally on my own, moving apartments, developing my artwork, starting up my Freehand line, photographing nudes, building my website from nothing, putting together a one-man-show at the Studio, caring for my mother, and seeing friendships grow and change. I'm super proud of all that I have accomplished.

Highlights:



Discovering how EASY iweb is, and making my site. What a revelation! I really really love the control I have.



Working with Dave K. Funny, because I didn't see how great he was at first. His height was impressive, giving him a real presence, but I didn't realize until later, when he came for an ARTOMATIC shoot, how cool he was. Hard to explain, but when you find a muse, you know it. I really love working with him, getting to know him, and seeing him grow.



Making GULL. A printing turning point, because I was able to really see the potential in printing on wood.





ARTOMATIC. A great sales success, and a terrific experience all around for exposure and development. Probably the greatest thing I take away from it though was presenting the nude photos as a counterpoint to the prints. Shooting those was such a highlight, and I will feel forever in debt to my (still) anonymous model. SO - MUCH - FUN!! I must do more. Funny, because until this moment, writing this, I haven't had the impulse to do more of it, but now I do!!



Finding my clothes rack. So cool, so me, and so free. A great way to show shirts at the studio, an all-around super thing!





Making shirts & shooting them. This has been by far the most fun thing Ive been doing. I've only just begun! Every single aspect I love - drawing, making the shirt, finding models, shooting, editing, and laying out the site. Such a blast. Can't wait for warmer weather to continue on.

One-man-show. Although this will always bring bad memories of Hex's call about his friend Ted, I had a great time organizing this show, and sharing all my new work. A good experience, and a big chance to grow.



Baked & Wired. What a great and successful run. I'm so happy I got the chance to show work there, and come in contact with so many great people. A bittersweet ending, but a terrific experience.

Pet SHop Boys (YES). This has fueled me all year. I just love it, and it's been instrumental in all my creative endeavors in 2009.

2010 will be another year of growth, but struggle too. I'm happy to have (sort of) found my creative way, but part 2 will be EXPOSURE / MARKETING / & SALES!! I'm excited to see what will happen, and confident that I will find success. I'm doing what I love, and am so blessed to have that chance.

facebook tag -- I must say, I think it's sort of clever.

dear dave

made a quick to-do list this morning. Probably a good thing, because I have been a little "off" the past few days. Forgot my wallet at home, forgot my bag at work, and got on METRO going in the wrong direction. Just a few examples.

Forgot to get Lee his shirts (shorts according to my iphone auto correction) which I'm most annoyed at myself for. Time to buckle down a bit.

Cold and icy morning. The sidewalks have not been cleared of snow, so walking is treacherous. I'm really sick of wearing my gym shoes everywhere. And a hood. Looking forward to warmer weather, and more light. Spring is NOT just around the corner, but at least its on the horizon!

Now that the corcoran is closed, I have time at my desk to pull new things together. I'm excited to draw more, and work on my site. And concentrate on more shirts, and selling them. So much potential! I just need to see it through.

Also, I have plans for a BRANDDAVE 2009 blog wrap-up. It was a big year for me, and I want to record all the highs and lows.

For now its on my to-do list. My wonderful to-do list.

dear dave

weird week! Sort of feels like the whole thing is a holiday. The weekend feels like it has just melted into the week. Im all mixed up.

Happy to be selling prints & shirts the past few days.

Feel like taking off, and doing nothing!

dear dave,

snowy weekend turned everything upside down, and inside out.

Worked a bit yesterday, finishing the framing on prints I managed to get done over the week. Saturday class was cancelled, and may be made-up on the 9th. Maybe a good chance to get another print in. We'll see.

Mixed emotions. The snow made things more muddled. It was nice to have the time off, but I never use it wisely. It's past now, but I feel regretful. And I'm feeling that separation anxiety again.

Feel kind of lonely sitting here. It would be easy to take a wrong turn, and waste my time. I'm doing that A LOT lately. I need to learn some lessons, and make better choices. I walked up the METRO escalator this morning. Maybe that's my start.

dear Dave,

waiting on shirts to dry. A peaceful moment in a chaotic couple of days. Sorry to everybody for all the crazyness. I feel like I need to issue a mass apology. I have tried to please everybody. I'm thankful for the work! it's just been hard to manage!

Snow expected tomorrow, which makes schedules change. Looks like no last class (probable), so I'm going this afternoon to finish. But I'm not sure I will have time. All I want to do is get out of there-STAT.

Fun random shoot with Dave this morning. It's cold, so I improvised, and we went down to a parking garage. Managed to get a few good shots in. Still loving our collaboration, and looking forward to warmer days. Really looking forward to spending a few uninterrupted days at my desk again. I'm tired of all the corcoran commuting.

dear dave,

I am so captivated by the story of Faith, the walking dog. It freaks me out - I think it's so cool. Had to draw her today.

Going back to the corcoran, hopefully to finish up camera print. Fingers crossed!

Busy day getting things out and done. Not much to write about. boo

dear dave.

The simplest prints are always the hardest. Struggling with a last minute print that is only 3 colors, yet Ive hit every roadblock. RRRRRRRRR.

Hung some prints in Baltimore today. Another PROJECT! Looking for fishing line to use to hang took much longer then needed. But when all was said and done, it worked out. Except I left my hammer, and need to touch up one of the prints. The never-ending story.

Feeling anxious to call it a day. Maybe I just should. This late schedule corcoran printing is getting me down.

IVe been very project oriented lately. Looking forward to being a little more creative next week. Back to drawing, and working on the site.

dear dave,

cool day. Met with Tom, and made plans for our cross promotion. Feel excited about it.

Meeting with J tomorrow in Baltimore. Another place to show prints. Hope it works out well.

Finishing up loose ends at the Corcoran. Feel anxious about getting everything done.

On that note, time to go back to work.

dear dave,

Spent all of my time this weekend with Hex, and I had serious separation anxiety as I pulled out of the parking garage this morning. Like the day after camp, when you miss all your friends.

It was a busy and emotional weekend. I feel like a lot of big things happened that I will need to absorb and feel. I'm in conflict.

Its funny - I leave my desk Friday night feeling a certain way. I return Monday, and so much is different. I need to realign myself with work, and refocus my energy. The weekend brings a hangover of emotions.

I have a few things coming up this week (and month) that I'm worried about. I resolve to get through them in a positive way. All I want is to stay on track, focused and healthy.

Be honest about my feelings
Open to new ideas
Cherish and respect all the people I love
Reach out to friends I miss
Forge ahead with goals
And exercise Remi till she drops.

Lost day.

Feel anxious about not getting a lot done, and things to do. Days at Corcoran are numbered! Weekend days BOOKED. Many little things to get done, and off to people. Meetings to have, things to drop off. Wood to buy (cold weather!!) Prints to finish.

I have that "late friday/weeks over/I didn't do enough" unsettling feeling.

At Be As You Are I used to go up to Kim's office, and spin in the extra chair, and vent (at 5:55, when she was getting ready to leave). I can't do that anymore. I wish I could.

Everything is FINE, I just don't feel that way.

GRRRRR

dear dave

one day just flows into the next. It's either 11am, 1pm, 4pm, 7pm, or bedtime. All continuous benchmarks for my day.

I get to work late, start something, eat lunch, struggle to get print stuff pulled together, get to the corcoran, print a bit, then go home. Ok - not all that bad, but I feel like I'm locked into this schedule because I'm trying to get stuff printed before the studio closes.

I'm stalling on signing up for the spring, because of money. At some point I'm going to magically decide it's the right moment, and just do it. I just hate spending -- anything.

Working on some print pieces for Alison. Need to pull together some stuff for Dave tomorrow (although its COLD, and I have that thing at Noon, and shirts wont be here until tomorrow). All strikes against me.

It's cold out, so I skipped my Home Depot trip. Hope that was a good choice. I'm thinking all the way to Monday. Everyday from now to then is scheduled.

Snowman sale Saturday. Studio visit tomorrow. Ch-ch-ch-changes....coming.

Ha - this post started out as 3 pictures, but this one was so strong, I just kept whittling it down to one!

I could not possible love it any more.

dear dave,

Late start today. Emissions test : PASSED. Happy about that!

Have prints to work on, people to call, and things to work out. Feeling really good about the state of things though. I have a lot to do, which feels nice for a change. I feel more connected to what I'm doing.

Of course my accounts continue to dwindle. Looking at Wachovia this morning, I can't help but sweat a bit. Luckily, some $ is on the horizon.

Sunny day, which always is welcome.

Stuck on NEW ORDER song (Guilt is a Useless Emotion). Its all I have to go on, and will be worn out soon enough. But for now, it's my pulse.

N E W E N E R G Y

"essential tools"

dear dave,

Feel a bit refreshed. Have some things to work on. Have prints to make, shirts to make, things to sell. I'm feeling new energy in the air, and it feels good.

Dear Dave,

Its been a few days since I've posted, which is an anomaly. even if I don't have much to say, I'm proud that I'm a consistent poster. I follow so many blogs that seem to have gone over a cliff lately. I don't knwo where these people are, or why they have stopped posting regularly, but I gets me out of the habit of regularly checking in, which isn't so good for them. Anyway.

Last week I was busy getting last minute prints done before our Holiday Show at the studio over the weekend. Thursday was especially funny, because I set out to print "winterberry", but kept running into external and internal roadblocks. Thru all that adversity, I actually managed to get it done, and I think it was a great addition to my overall collection. I thought for sure I was going to sell it to one woman, but over the phone her husband squashed her enthusiasm, and she left with just a shirt in hand. I think it was a great thing to have, and am excited to add it to my website. I've been getting way to dog (and animal) focused, so I need to round things out with other subject matter.

The show was pretty good, but I sold mostly shirts. I'm not so surprised by that, but would have also loved to make some more money. But the positive side is obvious: People really like my shirts (still), which is a great feeling, because I really love making them (still). I think all together they looked awesome, and I'm proud of my work. It's unique, simple, and fun -- and it makes me feel accomplished when I see it all displayed together.

I have 2 more printing weeks, so I want to make them count. Today is about catching up. Tomorrow - back to the Corcoran.

dear dave,

It's been rough getting to the corcoran every day. It cuts the day in half.

Today I need to get there at 3:30, so I'm rushing to get some stuff done here. Looks the the studio show will be very dog-centric. Not really by design, but that is what seems to have happened.

Found a cool inspiring tshirt site yesterday. Something to emulate. Nice to feel challenged and inspired. I hesitated to write it down here, because I'm not sure just how much I plan to emulate it. Not the designs obviously, but I really like the whole feel and sensibility.

Only have a few more days to make prints. Corcoran closing soon. This is when I go into overdrive, and print like I have supposed to all along. Oh well, I respond to pressure.

Feel like I'm on a bit of an upswing. Maybe I've hit rock bottom. Let's hope so!!

dear dave

feels good to come in this morning to a clean office. Glad I spent some time yesterday cleaning up. Glad to have gotten rid of so much unused stuff.

Had a blast with Barb and Cheryl last night at 2 Amy's. So much fun to spend time with old friends. There is so much history there. It's really cool to think of all the time we have spent together over the many years: bus rides, camps, retreats, sermons, 90210, parties, dinners, birthdays, holidays, college breaks, weddings, art shows, movies. There is so much there, and I felt it so strongly as I drove home, back to my world. I value my friendship with them so much, and felt so much comfort after spending a few hours over pizza, catching up.

Christmas 2009 - 1225 Lofts



Christmas 2008 - The Hudson



Christmas 2007 - Jimmy's House


Dear Dave,

Above is a cookie retrospective. Of course it goes way beyond 2007, but nobody took pictures (of everything) back then.
The years just go by, but we always make these cookies - and the are ALWAYS delicious!! Hex and I started making them last night. We still have 2 huge slabs of dough to go. And 100 snowmen to paint, stick, gloss, scarf, and box. All a lot of fun. It wouldn't be Christmas without these cookies. I have so many memories wrapped up in them:

-stealing dough (wrapped in wax paper) from the fridge
-frosting them with Jimmy (I frost, she sprinkles)
-picking out the thin ones with thick frosting with Sue.
-the layers of cookies separated with paper towels in the tin.
-being home from school, watching TV, and constantly going back to the kitchen to get more.

Yummm - I really love them. I brought a big baggy to the studio, and ate them all the minute I sat down.