Sleeve is finally healed up.

After about 9 months, I finally got my half-sleeve finished a few weeks ago. It's all healed up nicely and I've got some good pictures to post up of it. For those interested, the initial design was drawn up by pal Jen O'Brien after I was inspired by one of her paintings and then adapted by tattooer Clay McKay at Anonymous Tattoo. Ron had the idea of adding in the key badge and skeleton key and I'm stoked on how they came out. Clay did a phenomenal job and I would recommend him highly to anyone. It definitely helps me feel less homesick for autumn in New England.

artwork

I'm trying to be better at remembering to post what I'm up to - even when it feels like I'm not up to all that much. Given my work schedule lately, there hasn't been much going on that's of any particular consequence. Still the past two weeks have included some crafting of new stuffed animals (photos to be posted at some point), a lucky find of a sale on felt at Joann's Fabrics, reading Ragtime by E.L. Doctorow (high-quality historical fiction for our current favorite era), watching Stranger than Fiction and falling in love with both Will Ferrell and Maggie Gyllenhall's characters, and finishing up my tattoo (again photo's forthcoming).

Had my tattoo appointment yesterday and while I'm totally ecstatic about how beautiful it came out in the end, I must admit to wondering why the heck I ever started in on this piece. Particularly at the point at which I was getting my elbow pit done, I thought that this was the dumbest endeavor I've taken yet. That said, once it's healed I'm sure I'll start thinking about the next one.

If you're anywhere near Boston this Saturday night, make sure that you go and see Ron's art opening. It's titled "In Between the Devil and Deep Blue Sea" and is filled with fantastic spit-shaded watercolors that echo traditional themes. It's from 5-7pm at Bodega. You'll have to find your own way to Bodega since it's not advertised, but once there you'll be in for a major treat - both in artwork and in shopping. Plus spend money and you'll be supporting both my boyfriend and an old, dear friend who co-owns the store.

Finding time

Oh life has been so busy lately. It's hard to find time to get much of anything done. I've taken on a short-term contract with the historical society to finish up an archival processing project. It's actually a pretty fun project but it does mean having to give up my Saturdays for 3 months and working 6 days a week. I'm happy to keep my archival work current though. Additionally, I've developed a new hobby of the dreaded "diet and exercise". It's actually been a really positive experience, but oh my gosh, it takes up a surprising amount of time.

Anyhow, this is a pony that I made a couple of weeks ago for pal Andrea's very belated birthday gift. Now that she's received it, I can put it up for everyone else to see. The exciting news on the craft front is that I also recieved my first commission! My old friend Lauren is going to a baby shower and has requested an oliphant. I'll make a few samples so that she can choose who she likes best and then it also leaves me with several more samples to show or sell. I'll post as they are finished.