beckycochrane.livejournal.com

And so this is Christmas...

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:23:34 GMT

Image taken from the Internet.

Some years this date passes by without my commenting on it. This is not one of those years. I really miss my friend Riley and think of him on this day as I have every year since 1980.

Though I joked around a little about her in A Coventry Wedding, I've never been one to disparage Yoko Ono. In fact, I admire her tremendously. She's always been forthright and true to herself as an artist. Two things I love about her work are the Yoko Ono Wish Tree and the Imagine Peace Tower, a beacon of light that will shine through midnight tonight in Iceland, as it does each year from John Lennon's birthday on October 9 until the anniversary of his death--today, December 8.

In memory of Riley and John Lennon, I created my own little wish for peace in rose petals. After I photographed it, I left it, though I was sure the dogs would plow through it before either Tim or Tom could see it. Instead, all four dogs and the puppy have stepped around it, and it's still there hours later. Never underestimate the wisdom of dogs.

On a less somber note, happy birthday to Famous Author Rob Byrnes and our mutual friend Byrne.

Next week: slide show of our family vacations

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:09:46 GMT

The other night I dragged out my first grade class photo and forced everyone to look at it ("everyone" in that case being Tom, Tim, Rhonda, Lindsey, and Kathy S, as opposed to the "everyone" who comprises my readership here on LJ--your turn!).

Tim noted that the way we're posed, we all look like we're handcuffed. I didn't have the heart to tell him that we all actually were handcuffed. In the old days (thirtyish years ago!), they didn't coddle six-year-olds.

The next year, there would be no class photo, because that would have brought our work to a halt at the munitions factory.

I KID!

It was a cannery.

Button Sunday

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 06:07:37 GMT

Got this button when I went shopping on Black Friday. It's part of
Macy's partnership with the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
If you're interested in helping donors and more than 25,000 volunteers make a wish come true (one almost every forty minutes!) for a child with a life-threatening medical condition, check out the above link.

Yup, it's snowing in Houston

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 20:06:57 GMT

Up against the wall...

Mush!

The things this man will do for me...

Photo Friday, No. 175

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 07:06:13 GMT

Current Photo Friday theme: Homemade

The fifth little piggie must be wee, wee, weeing all the way home.
Gift from my mother, who did the needlework when she was in her mid-seventies.

Hump Day Happy

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 06:34:22 GMT

You know what makes me happy? Jingling bells. What you see on top of the happy book is a ring with tiny jingle bells attached ($4, Pier One). You know what makes everyone at The Compound happy? When I don't wear the jingle bell ring. Bunch of grinches.

If you want something to make you happy, please comment with a page number between 1 and 611, and another number between 1 and 25, and I'll jingle my way through the pages of this book for you.

There are no accidents

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:12:28 GMT

Lindsey has been preparing/finishing a series of canvases and prints with the theme of repurposed materials/urban sprawl that she and Tom just hung at Té House of Tea this morning. To keep me company and share mutual encouragement, she did some of her work here at The Compound while I finished sewing my final collection.

She also brought in a blank 18 x 24 canvas and stuck it under my nose. I often note that I can't paint on larger canvases. All that white space intimidates me, and I'm used to working on 3 x 5-INCH and 4 x 6-INCH canvases for One Word Art, the paintings I sell to raise money for AIDS and HIV organizations. Lindsey suggested that I visualize the canvas in sections and paint them as I normally would the small canvases. I'm not sure she meant for me to take her so literally, but that's what I did.

When I put down my base coat, every section was a shade of blue or green except one, which I painted red. I jokingly said that I was going to call it "Green and Blue and Red." And then, as I layered on colors, I finally said the painting was just "Red."

While Lindsey and I were painting, we were joined by Tim, who started a couple of canvases of his own (in oils, which I love, love, love to smell, since I only work in acrylics), Tom spent some time sketching, and Rhonda helped Lindsey stamp and finish her title and price cards to hang next to her finished works. The creative energy was amazing, and Lindsey occasionally checked out my painting, at one point saying that it reminded her of a patchwork quilt.

Did the suggestion of quilt panels put something in my head? (If you've read here long, you know I'm a several-time panel maker for the NAMES Project's AIDS Memorial Quilt.) Was I subconsciously remembering that World AIDS day was upon us once again? (Because in all honesty, I've been so wrapped up in sewing and other things that I only realized with a jolt at midnight that it was December 1.)

I don't know, but when Lindsey came by this morning to pick up her paintings and Tom, she reminded me of (Red)™ and pointed out that my painting and its title were the perfect way to mark World AIDS Day 2009.

I dedicate this to all of you who are living with HIV/AIDS. You're not alone; worldwide, we're still fighting the fight with you by giving our time, our money, and our efforts to raise awareness.

Red, 2009

World AIDS Day, December 1

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:07:06 GMT

World AIDS Day was first recognized in 1988 and has become a day to raise money and awareness, fight prejudice against those with HIV/AIDS, and improve education about the virus. The World AIDS Day theme for 2009 is "Universal Access and Human Rights."

According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 33.4 million people living with HIV, including 2.1 million children. During 2008, approximately 2.7 million people became newly infected with the virus and an estimated two million people died from illnesses caused by AIDS.

Around half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before they are 25 and are killed by AIDS before they are 35. HIV hasn't gone away, and there's still a lot of work to be done toward its management and eradication. The red ribbon pin in this post's user photo sits on the window ledge in front of me to remind me of that every day.

Each time I put on my jewelry, I wear my Until There's A Cure bracelet in honor of the beautiful friends I've lost because of AIDS. Not a single day of my life goes by that I don't think of them.

I was so fortunate to have known them.

For
Steve R, Don P, Jeff C, John M, Tim R, Pete M

Candle courtesy of jefffunk.

LJ Runway Monday: Final Collection at last

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:23:02 GMT

Were you starting to wonder if I'd ever really post this? Admit it. You thought I took all the cash and prizes for being the only person to actually do all the challenges of Project Runway's sixth season and hightailed it to Barbados. Well, that's JUST CRAZY. I've received no cash. No prizes. And I don't fly if I don't have to.

But I have been sewing. The theme of my final collection is "Leather and Lace." You're thinking I've done a bunch of Stevie Nicks stage costumes, aren't you? Again, CRAZY. I actually designed for her singing partner on that song, Don Henley. Nothing but jeans, black shirts, and Wayfarers.

Kidding.

My "Leather and Lace" is meant to showcase two things about women: Though we sometimes seem as delicate as lace, we have the supple strength of leather. From Flapper to Unflappable, Femme Fatale to Futurista, Dainty to Diva, Playful to Elegant--fashion is but a means we have of expressing ourselves. We are tough, we are feminine, and we have lots of shoes.

Ava in dress of silk chiffon, leather, and tulle in black, turquoise, and purple. Boots gift of Mark G. Harris.

Patricia in dress of red leather and silk chiffon with lace stockings. Boots made by me.

Susannah, my model muse, in silver leather and glittery organza dress. Boots of leather and silver sequins made by me.

Sarah in blue satin jacket and black leather skirt. Boots from Mattel.

Emily in green leather, lace, and tulle dress. Mattel shoes enhanced by me. This is my thirteenth look (the surprise part of the PR contestants' final challenge).

Gina in eggplant leather dress with indigo-blue beaded embellishments at the hem and straps. Mattel shoes enhanced by me.

Olivia in black leather dress with black sequin embellishment at top of bodice. Mattel shoes enhanced by me.

Lily in yellow lace and brown leather dress. Boots made by me.

Dandy wearing a blue lace dress with Mattel shoes enhanced by me.

Tajma wearing snakeskin-patterned suede-cloth pants and bolero jacket with an emerald lace blouse. Mattel shoes enhanced by me.

Toni dressed in a lavender lace blouse and eggplant purple leather shorts. Boots made by me.

Katie in a winter white leather swing coat over a dress with a winter white leather bodice, lavender tulle at the neckline and underskirt, and a winter white lace overskirt. Mattel shoes enhanced by me.

Natalie in cascading layers of white and black lace. The sequined band at the top of the bodice and the enhancements to her Mattel shoes are meant to be a match to Olivia's black leather dress.

Thanks for keeping up with my designs this season and for all your praise and comments. Thanks to Mattel's Birthstone Beauty Barbies and Susannah (a Mattel Top Model Summer, my eternal muse) for being such great dolls to dress.

A HUGE thanks to Tom, Tim, Lynne, Lindsey, Rhonda, and Kathy S for creative input, commentary, and staging assistance.

Maybe we'll see you in January on the runway!

My previous designs from Season Six:

6:12--The Art of Fashion
6:11--The Best of the Best
6:10--Around the World in Two Days
6:9--Sequins, Feathers and Fur, Oh My!
6:8--A Fashionable New Beginning
6:7--The Sky's the Limit
6:6--Lights, Camera, Sew!
6:5--Fashion Headliners
6:4--What a Woman Wants
6:3--Rumble on the Runway
6:2--We Expect Fashion
6:1--The Red Carpet

Okay, full disclosure. The "leather" fabrics are either suede cloth or pleather. To sew leather on a 1:6 scale is not going to happen in Becks's workroom. This is known as "willing suspension of disbelief" and helps keep your mind in shape for reading fiction. Namely, MY fiction. Which also makes great holiday gifts.

Button Sunday

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 20:34:52 GMT

I don't know who's responsible for this beautiful photo because I stole it from the Internet. In fact, blogging turned me into a photo thief, and I know I'm not the only one.

I chose this button because today is the fifth anniversary of Timothy J. Lambert's LiveJournal. That date is important to me not just because it gave my writing partner more presence on the Internet. In the winter of 2004, we were finishing writing Timothy James Beck's Someone Like You as well as Cochrane Lambert's Three Fortunes in One Cookie. All my writing partners were proofreading SLY, Tim was adding his final chapters to 3F, and I was at loose ends. So, as I have many times, after a couple of weeks, I followed Tim's example and started my own LiveJournal. It pretty much ended my time on message boards (just as message boards had once ended my time in chat rooms).

I have no idea how many blogs I was reading at the height of the blogging craze, but as bloggers have tapered off updating their blogs, my reading has fallen off. There are times I think about ending my LJ because it's frequently difficult to come up with content, and I know that my readership, like everyone's, is less than it used to be. (Hello, Facebook and Twitter.)

But then I think about how many interesting, funny, kind, quirky, and good people I've met through here. I consider all it's taught me about HTML and formatting. It's given me a forum to discuss art, photography, literature, and politics. It's provided a means for family and longtime friends to keep up with what's going on in my life (though I've never used it to discuss those things I want to keep private). It's also given me a means to share news about one friend with many other friends--in a way that's more fun to me than e-mail.

I've tried hard to keep it from ever being insulting or mean-spirited. I've enjoyed using it to share photographs as I try to become a better photographer.

And of course, it gives me a place to put everybody else's photos after I steal them.

To get back to the reason for this post and the button, during these five years, I've never gotten tired of getting a glimpse at the world through Tim's perspective, courtesy of his photos, his stories, his association with Scout's Honor, and his art. So happy blog-iversay, Tim, and thank you.

And now a word from our sponsor

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 06:13:50 GMT

Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars...

Photo Friday, No. 174

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 23:01:19 GMT

Current Photo Friday theme: From My Past

My baby book, several decades old.
Badly water damaged, but some parts are still legible enough for me to get a glimpse
into what preoccupied my mother about her youngest child.

It's a Thanksgiving miracle

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:23:25 GMT

For the first time in twelve years or more, I have gone into a retail establishment on Black Friday. It's clear that aliens have taken over my body. With this new information in mind, I believe I'll frost a birthday cake and write an entire novel before dinner.

Happy Thanksgiving

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 20:01:49 GMT

Here's a bonus button. This one is from Lynne's collection, but I think I may have one like it deeply buried in my container o' buttons.

I chose this button even though I'm not a big fan of pies (sorry, Agent Cooper) because Wednesday provided a spontaneous pie night with friends. On a whim, Tom called The Brides to see if their tight schedule allowed for dinner, and it did, as long as Lindsey could later use my kitchen for baking. So we had a raucous evening with Tom, Tim, Rhonda, Lindsey, me, Margot, Guinness, Rex, Pixie, Sugar, and Puddles--the puppy also known as Pixie's Mini Me.

Later, while I sewed, the house filled with the aroma of baking. Lindsey was making pies in a jar, which involved a lot of cutting apples into cubes and some apple-cube eating (The bowl was right in front of me! I couldn't help myself! There were plenty!). There were also a couple of side trips to the grocery store and Starbucks in there. And when Lindsey finally filled all the jars, there were enough apple cubes left over (SEE?) to fill a couple of ramekins. One of which is still in my kitchen, looking adorably edible.

More Thankgivingy stuff to come, but for now, HAPPY THANKSGIVING to everyone who celebrates it, and for those who don't, just know I'm thankful that you're part of my life.

Hump Day Happy--Late Edition

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:48:23 GMT

I'm trotting out (get it? trotting? turkey trot?) last year's photo because I'm getting such a late start today on Hump Day Happy. Blame Rex and an unplanned visit to the vet. (He'll be fine.)

I'm changing things up a little for today. If you will please comment and tell me something you're thankful for, I'll find a random selection in the happy book to give you in return.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, and I'll be spending it with people and dogs I love--can't ask for better than that. I hope all of you who celebrate the holiday, as well as my friends across the globe, have the kind of love and friendship in your lives that I'm fortunate enough to enjoy.

Regarding my own happiness, this dress and wrap dazzle me. It's a fantastic look for her.

AP Photo

Windows, No. 6

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:22:12 GMT

That's a photo I shot in Chelsea when I was in NYC in 2007. It's one of my favorite window photos.

As you might surmise, I haven't been posting or commenting much because I'm sewing. But I AM reading you, so don't try to slip anything by me. I'm like Santa that way. Or a mother. Or a Compound dog when someone's in the kitchen. Or the Talamasca. (Hi, MGH.)

Enough with the similes. Right now, one of my models is posed in front of me wearing a design I just finished and she's SO FREAKING ADORABLE. I'm having a lot of fun with this collection because I'm making myself take on new challenges. I know that some of my readers are not into the doll stuff and the fashion; others of you will see it, evaluate and comment on it, then move on and forget it. For me, however, there has to be a reason to do this beyond just making doll clothes. I have to learn something from it or take something from it that I can use in the future.

To wit:

I begin with raw materials. The doll comes first. Then I choose fabrics after much consideration of color and texture. Once I've settled on those, I begin to create a context that includes structure and story. I create new patterns or modify old ones to cut my design pieces. Then I start putting the pieces together. Very often, this involves a lot of frustration. I make false starts. I do things wrong and have to rip them out and redo them. Sometimes I throw everything away and start fresh. Eventually, I have a look. Then I choose how to accessorize it, enhance it. Sometimes it all requires research. Sometimes I need another pair of eyes for praise, criticism, or input. Sometimes I need help doing something I haven't tried before.

Finally, where there was nothing, there's suddenly something!

For those of you who create in the visual or performing arts, I don't know how much of this is relevant to you. But for those who have asked what my writing process is, go back and read that paragraph.

I always begin with a character. Like each doll I work with, my character becomes my muse. Everything I'm going to develop in terms of plot, setting, point of view, or theme, for example, is structured based on who that character is. Conflicts, career, relationships--these are how I accessorize and enhance my character. And writing has all the same frustrations: starting and restarting, deleting, talking through some snag with someone who understands my writing style. For each new work of fiction, I have to try new things, meet new challenges, to keep the process from feeling stale.

Finally, where there was nothing, there's suddenly something!

It's possible that I've begun to forgive myself for my year of not writing. It's possible that all this sewing and painting and photographing things were ways of refilling my creative well. It's been kind of crazy to have a fully-formed character in my head for several months now, to wake up thinking about her and figuring out more things about her life, to even talk about her and her story to other writers, and STILL not be writing. I guess she's just not posed right in front of me yet, looking SO FREAKING ADORABLE that I can't resist her.

Thanks to everyone who commented and e-mailed about my runway post from Monday. I do need to clear up something. I didn't make a lot of those clothes. They are vintage and new Mattel (or Mattel knock-offs). I'm going to put some thumbnails behind the cut of exactly what I did make. Because I'd never take credit for anyone else's work. Except maybe, you know, Tim's. ;)

1. 2. 3. 4.

5. 6. 7. 8.

9. 10. 11. 12.

13. 14. 15. 16.

1. Anna Wintour's swing coat is from my 2008 final collection.
2. Anna Wintour's dress I made for the runway post
3. Tim Gunn's suit coat was made with oversight from Lynne (THANK YOU!)
4. Tori Spelling's dress was made for one of my thrift store rescue dolls
5. Miranda Priestly's dress I made for the runway post
6. Nina Garcia's dress I made for the runway post
7. Grace Coddington's dress and boots I made for the runway post
8. Barbie's coat is from my Edith Head collection
9. Barbie's blouse and skirt are from my Edith Head collection
10. Heidi Klum's dress was modified from a dress I made for a Barbie
11. Heidi Gunn's dress was made for the runway post
12. Barbie's dress is from my Easter frock collection
13. Barbie's dress is from my Easter frock collection
14. Barbie's dress is one I made for my Christina Aguilera doll
15. Blythe Mayfield is wearing a blouse from my Edith Head collection
16. Billie Myers is wearing a shirt from my Edith Head collection

The two Heidis' shoes were gifts to Timothy and me from Mark G. Harris.

The Hump Day Happy post will be up later! Thanks for your patience.

LJRunway Monday: Final Collection, Part 1

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:06:57 GMT

Tonight, Runway Monday has put together a runway show at an undisclosed location to feature this season's final collection by Becks. You've been checking out her looks for the past few months. Now she's accepted the final season-six challenge of Lifetime's Project Runway to create thirteen looks in a cohesive collection.

I'm your pre-show host, Heidi Gunn. It looks like we'll have a full house tonight.

Heidi Gunn: Everyone wants to see what Becks will come up with, including celebrities. Look, it's MC Hammer and Miley Cyrus. Are you two collaborating on something?

MC Hammer: You never know, Heidi.

Miley Cyrus: It's Hannah time!

Heidi Gunn: And here's Mexican actress Maite Perroni. Are you excited to see tonight's collection?

Maite Perroni: I can't wait. I was able to interview Becks's model muse Summer on the red carpet at the Academy Awards. I think security is even tighter here tonight. I was a little surprised to see soldiers guarding this undisclosed location.

Heidi Gunn: Soldiers? Oh, I know who you're talking about. They're actually protesters.

Maite Perroni: Really? Troops Against Trapping?

Heidi Gunn: No, I don't think they're anti fur.

Heidi Gunn: I think this is one of those issues that Becks supports, and I agree. Don't ask, don't tell should be left to plastic surgery, dress sizes, and.... Oh, look! It's Ashley and Mary Kate Olsen. You two are so tiny!

Ashley Olsen: Be sure and tell us we look like troll dolls, too.

Mary Kate Olsen: Right. We love that.

Dolly Parton: Don't let those little girls badger you, Heidi Gunn. We fuller-figured women need to stick together.

Heidi Gunn: Dolly, I didn't realize that you're a Becks fan.

Dolly Parton: I'm not all that familiar with her designs, but my good friend Natasha Deere suggested I come tonight. I guess Natasha knew Becks when she was just Beck.

Heidi Gunn: Have a great night, Dolly. Wow, now there's a threesome I didn't expect to see together.

Heidi Gunn: It's like a 90210 reunion! Luke Perry, Tori Spelling, Jason Priestley. Jason, are you related to Miranda Priestly? She was a Runway Monday judge last season.

Jason Priestley: I don't think so, Heidi. We aren't spelled the same.

Heidi Gunn: Speaking of spells, I wonder what Shannen Doherty's up to these days.

Tori Spelling: Eep! She isn't here, is she?

Luke Perry: In case you're wondering, I'm not related to Katy Perry. Although I have kissed a girl. And I liked it.

Tori Spelling [wiggling fingers toward the camera]: Hi, Liam and Stella. It's bedtime!

Heidi Gunn: Welcome British singer Billie Myers. Billie, you have a lot more hair than you seem to in your photos.

Billie Myers: Extensions, Heidi. I was nearby shooting a video when my friend Johnnie Cakes suggested we come see Becks's collection. She's a close friend of his.

Heidi Gunn: I'm sure she'll be glad to know you're here. Maybe I can find her backstage and let her know. But first, here's New Kid on the Block Joe. You never age!

NKOTB Joe: Thanks, Heidi. You're looking good, too.

Heidi Gunn: Just let me slip back here--

Tim Gunn: Not another step, Heidi Gunn. NO ONE is allowed back stage tonight.

Heidi Gunn: You seem a little stressed, Tim. Is it because everything is chaotic only minutes before the runway show is scheduled to begin?

Tim Gunn: No. It's because Michael Kors sat on my glasses and broke them. I've had to dig out this old pair, and I look like Charles Nelson Reilly.

Heidi Gunn: Over there! It's Rosie O'Donnell with a crowd of people. Rosie, who are your friends?

Rosie O'Donnell: Jeremy Caprellian, who used to star in the sitcom Man of the House. Blythe Mayfield, an up-and-coming artist. Entrepreneur Adam Wilson. I know you recognize super model and actress Sheila Meyers. Cosmetics advertising mogul Blaine Dunhill, and Daniel Stephenson, who you might remember as Angus Remington on the soap Secret Splendor.

Heidi Gunn: I do remember--look! Over there! Is that--

Rosie O'Donnell: In the red coat?

Heidi Gunn: Yes. Is that...Vogue's Anna Wintour?

Rosie O'Donnell: I don't think so, Heidi. She's carrying a purse and wearing a white Hermes scarf. That means it can only be--

Heidi Gunn: Right. Miranda Priestly of Runway magazine. I can't believe I didn't recognize her after working with her last season.

Rosie O'Donnell: Wow, she really clashes with Michael Kors. Quick. Look over there.

Heidi Gunn [gasps]: That's her, all right.

Rosie O'Donnell [reverently]: Anna Wintour. Don't look now, but....

Heidi Gunn: Uh-oh.

Rosie O'Donnell [whispers]: They don't get along, you know.

Heidi Gunn: I'm not sure she gets along any better with Nina Garcia, fashion director of Marie Claire magazine. Oh, it sounds like they're getting started. We'd better find our seats.

Heidi Klum: Welcome, everybody, to LiveJournal's Runway Monday. As you know, in fashion, one day you're in, and the next day, you're out. Which has nothing to do with tonight. Before we get to the final collection created by Becks, her models wanted to remind you of some of her looks from this season.

Heidi Klum: I'm sure Becks will be delighted to learn that her work is being viewed by André Leon Talley, editor-at-large for American Vogue, Vogue's editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, and the magazine's creative director, Grace Coddington.

Heidi Gunn: Oh, it's my favorite of this season's looks by Becks!

Heidi Klum: I thought I auf'd you last week. Thank you, Mattel Top Models, Christina Aguilera, and regular person who got a divorce and a new dress from Becks. You may leave the stage.

Heidi Klum: And now...

Heidi Klum: Tune in next week to see the thirteen looks Becks has been working on day and night. Lots of night.

Previous designs from this season:

6:12--The Art of Fashion
6:11--The Best of the Best
6:10--Around the World in Two Days
6:9--Sequins, Feathers and Fur, Oh My!
6:8--A Fashionable New Beginning
6:7--The Sky's the Limit
6:6--Lights, Camera, Sew!
6:5--Fashion Headliners
6:4--What a Woman Wants
6:3--Rumble on the Runway
6:2--We Expect Fashion
6:1--The Red Carpet

I think continually of those who were truly great

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:44:56 GMT

I think continually of those who were truly great.
Who from the womb, remembered the soul's history
Through corridors of light where the hours are suns,
Endless and singing. Whose lovely ambition
Was that their lips, still touched with fire,
Should tell of the Spirit clothed from head to foot in song.
And who hoarded from the Spring branches
The desires falling across their bodies like blossoms.

What is precious is never to forget
The essential delight of the blood drawn from ageless springs
Breaking through rocks in worlds before our earth.
Never to deny its pleasure in the morning simple light
Nor its grave evening demand for love.
Never to allow gradually the traffic to smother
With noise and fog the flowering of the spirit.

Near the snow, near the sun, in the highest fields
See how these names are feted by the waving grass
And by the streamers of white cloud
And whispers of wind in the listening sky.
The names of those who in their lives fought for life
Who wore at their hearts the fire's center.
Born of the sun they traveled a short while towards the sun,
And left the vivid air signed with their honour.

Stephen Spender

Photos 1996, my personal archives

Button Sunday

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:11:48 GMT

You know it.

Photo Friday, No. 173

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:45:13 GMT

Current Photo Friday theme: Vehicle

This is "Faith," a 1984 Camaro art car.

Hump Day Happy

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:34:01 GMT

I've featured this cup before, but classics--like the Beatles themselves--are always worth another appearance. Today I'll be checking in between sewing sessions, so if you want something from one of these books to be happy about, please comment with a page number between 1 and 611, and another number between 1 and 25, and I'll make sure you get answers during my coffee breaks.

Windows, Nos. 3, 4, and 5

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:53:21 GMT

Spotted cat getting sun in a second-floor window.

Was spotted back.

Cat showed utter disregard for camera and photographer.

Bonus

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:31:05 GMT

Just a silly bonus cell phone photo because it makes me laugh and may do the same for you.

Just in case

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:52:57 GMT

Not sure if she'll see this, but a very happy birthday to Kathy M today. Here's a little present. I spotted this in the sky on Sunday while I was out. All I had was the camera on my cell phone.

LJ Runway Monday: Finale, Part I (PR 6:13)

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:44:45 GMT

On the most recent episode of Lifetime's Project Runway, the three finalists left L.A. to go home and work on their final collections. Tim Gunn did home visits to check on their progress. Later, the designers headed to New York for Fashion Week.

Meanwhile, in Houston...

Outside The Compound gates at dusk, a man approaches and hits a buzzer.

Bzzzzzzt.

[Raucous sounds of dogs barking.]

Intercom voice: Go away. I'm reading Facebook.

Man: Tim Gunn here to do a home visit with Becks.

Intercom voice: Who?

Tim Gunn: BECKS.

Intercom voice: No, I'm Becks. Who did you say you are?

Tim Gunn: It's Tim Gunn from Lifetime's Project Runway. I'm here to check on the progress of your final collection.

Becks: Go away. I'm...sewing.

Tim Gunn: Right. That's why I'm here. I need to mentor you.

.....

.....

Bzzzzzzt.

[Raucous sounds of dogs barking.]

.....

A woman appears.

Woman: Hello, Tim. Look how svelte I am. Am I pregnant? Did I already have the baby? Everyone's so confused about this season. When did we tape? Was it Fall Fashion Week or Spring Fashion Week? Nina Garcia and Michael Kors: Now you see them, now you don't. Do we air on Wednesdays? Thursdays? Are we taping in Manhattan or L.A.?

Tim Gunn: Heidi Klum, what are you doing here? The home visits are my part of the show.

Heidi Klum: Listen, Mr. Make It Work, this show was meant to help me outshine Tyra Banks. But then everybody liked you best. Now I hear our threat level of being canceled is oranger than Michael Kors, so I'm getting all the air time I can.

Heidi presses the buzzer.

Bzzzzzzt.

[Raucous sounds of dogs barking.]

Becks: Go away! I'm watching an America's Next Top Model marathon.

Heidi Klum: [Grrrrrr.] It's Heidi Klum. I'm here with Tim Gunn to see how your final collection is progressing.

Becks: Go away. I'm ruching.

Heidi Klum: She's Russian? I thought she grew up in Alabama.

Tim Gunn: She's ruching.

Heidi Klum: Rushing?

Another woman appears.

Other woman: Ruching. It's a French sewing term that means gathering, ruffling, or pleating.

Heidi Klum: I know that. Who are you?

Other woman: I'm Heidi Gunn.

Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn: ........

Heidi Gunn: I was last season's producer of Live Journal's Runway Monday.

Heidi Klum: Right. Our attorneys would like to talk to you.

Heidi Gunn: Hey, Runway Monday is an homage to your show. Just like I'm an homage to you and Tim.

Tim Gunn: She does look like you, Heidi.

Heidi Klum: What are you talking about? She's a total Barbie.

Heidi Gunn: Check your ass, Heidi Klum. I think you'll find Mattel stamped there.

Heidi Gunn reaches for the buzzer.

Bzzzzzzt.

[Raucous sounds of dogs barking.]

Becks: Go away! I'm sewing as fast as I can!

Heidi Gunn: You still have to find your models!

Heidi Klum: And get them to hair and makeup!

Becks: I've chosen all my models. Half of them already have their hair braided and styled.

Heidi Klum: Braids? I hope you're not going Oktoberfest on us. Did you not see Episode 8?

Heidi Gunn: A word with you, Heidi Klum. I'm German, too. Why the Oktoberfest hate?

Heidi Klum: Auf wiedersehen.

Tim Gunn: Sorry, Becks's readers. Apparently there's nothing to see here yet. Tune in next week.

[Raucous sounds of dogs barking.]

Previous designs from this season:

6:12--The Art of Fashion
6:11--The Best of the Best
6:10--Around the World in Two Days
6:9--Sequins, Feathers and Fur, Oh My!
6:8--A Fashionable New Beginning
6:7--The Sky's the Limit
6:6--Lights, Camera, Sew!
6:5--Fashion Headliners
6:4--What a Woman Wants
6:3--Rumble on the Runway
6:2--We Expect Fashion
6:1--The Red Carpet