Tattoo Tuesdays: Crazy Slow and Calmly Fast

Hello and welcome to April! I can't believe, and honestly would rather not put it this way, that we are already 4 months into 2014. Here's to hoping the old adage of "March, in like a lion and out like a lamb" is in full swing this year. As much as I adore winter, my mental state and my body physically could do with high doses of sunshine and morning jogs/walks that my snowy friend, Winter, doesn't play nice with. April means taxes and taxes means crying, sleepless nights, elation, worry, and shopping lists created. Then at the last minute deciding, "I guess I should be more wise and grownup with this list and add pay off this and that...blah, blah, blah." It really is a double-edged, scratch that, Medusa mad situation.

My "shopping list" may or may not have tattoo money listed (insert wink).

I started Qwiklit's 100 Day Writing Challenge today and thus this post will be rather "word dry". A girl can only go to the writer's well so much in one day. I may be posting the Day One challenge on here later, so stay tuned!

Today's Features:

Pinterest Find

 

Photography tattoos are always winners! Great placement too.

 

 

 

Pinterest Find

 

Typography and music.

 

 

Tumblr Find

 

There is a lot going on here, but I contend...it is all good. (insert wink) Sleeves!

 

 

 

You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it.

~Robin Williams

 

 

 

Follow me on Pinterest

 

Tattoo Tuesdays: Pass the Change

 

 

Welcome to a Tuesday that feels too much like a Monday. I had a bad start to my morning, all because I couldn't find my black zipper hoodie. I have this way about me that I let the smallest detail send me on a highway to negativity land. Finishing up my hair in the bathroom this morning (the color still 'frightens' me a little) I whispered to myself "Bad morning, does mean a bad rest of the day. Get with it Maddie!" Yes I talk to myself, don't you?



 

Today's Features:

 

Pinterest Find

 

Needle and thread by Dr. Woo, Shamrock Tattoo, California.

 

I'm all about 'wearing' your passions. Simple, sweet, and great placement.

 

Instagram Find

 

Hearts and me...you know we go together. The vintage appeal of this tattoo, not only because it features a gramophone, but with the inking style (sketchy pen and ink) really sets this tattoo off for me. I am not always a fan of back tattoos, but I like the creativity behind this one; manipulating the heart and gramophone to make one unique piece of skin art.

 

Tumblr Find

 

'Wearing' your passions for the win in this post! A chef, foodie, minimalistic tattoo...on the shoulder...on a guy. He can cook for me (insert wink)!

 

 

Pinterest Find

 

Honestly? At first I didn't like this tattoo, but for some odd reason the more look at the more I like it. The wispy typography taking over the arm is a definite eye catcher for me.

 

 

 

“Things change. And friends leave. Life doesn't stop for anybody.”

~Stephen Chbosky

 

 

Find me on Pinterest

Tattoo Tuesdays: Talk Shop To Me

It is 2014 and you know what that means?!? Honestly I don't know what that means, it just sounded like an appropriate beginning to a post...the first post of 2014.

The latter part of November and the entire month of December were CRAZY for me. One of those occasions where you are stuck between wishing the time away and wishing for things to slllllllllloooowwww down. Yeah that kind of crazy.

In other news, Tattoos have been on the brain. Ideas are floating closer to the surface and they are all pleading "Me! Me! Me!" I got a quote...oh didn't I tell you? (insert wink) I'm not quite at the necessary funds level to go for it, but I'm close. I've been chatting it up with my fellow ink crazies, all the "inky" details. My honest to goodness hope is before mid-February. My best friend is leaving for Korea and I have wanted her to be my tagalong since darn near the beginning of the ink madness. We shall see. My Tattoo budget is being heavily "preyed upon" by the impending need for more piercings as well. We all realize, as a writer, I have voices floating around my head, right? Well they also plead for the ink and the holes as well. Confusing, right? (insert smile)

I have many thoughts right now, some good and some none too pretty. That being said this post is an update and a sharing time, rather than a wisdom/from the mouth of babes (me being the babe) time.

The Tattoos:

Pinterest Find

Wow, talk about crazy for color! I'm still up in the air about color, but I absolutely love the strikingness* of this tattoo. The purple/pinkish/magenta? color is bam in your face. I am not a huge fan of placement, mostly because I personally don't like my back and therefore do not own backless clothing. How would I show off such gorgeous ink? Octopuses are always a winner in my world.

Pinterest Find

 

I am all about showing off your craft, your creative outlet...and yes being a beautician is a creative outlet. Placement is spot on for me. The red works, it helps with the over all "popping" vibe. The scissors are by far my favorite part of this ink. I like the old-fashion appeal. According to Pinterest this tattoo is by Xoil Tattoo.

Pinterest Find

 

Why are you looking at me? Oh...wait...because I picked another Octopus tattoo? I can't help myself, this tattoo made me sigh. (insert wink) I am a sucker for forearms, what can I say? The shading and detail is awesome. Can I touch it?

 

 

Updates and in other News:

I'm giving the 'ole 365 photography project another go. If you would like to follow and/or encourage the process please do so! You never know when you might be a part of it. (insert wink)

 

 

I reopened my Etsy shop today! I'm putting my knitting and other creating techniques to the task of some Etsy fun. Take a look and tell me what you think. I have more things listed than I have before and I'm anxious for feedback and of course to sell something.

 

From the shop of yours truly, RapaciousCurls!

 

 

If you guessed that I'm hyped up on caffeine while writing then...Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner!

 

  

"Write it. Shoot it. Publish it. Crochet it, sauté it, whatever. MAKE."

~Joss Whedon

 

 

Find me on Pinterest

 

 

 

Footnotes:

• *Is strikingness a word? (eyebrow raise anyone?)
• I wrote this post in silence, can you believe that? No music today (insert sad face).

Tattoo Tuesdays: Put Your Money Where Your...Ink is

It's back!

Tattoo Tuesdays, tattoos in general, are one my favorite blog post series to write. They are responsible for refueling my writing fire. When I was looking at previous posts I realized it was time to "bring it!" So if you have missed them too, without further ado...

It is not a little known fact anymore that I desire my flesh to play host/canvas to ink. As more and more people in my circle of friends and family discover how much I appreciate tattoos and want them, I am asked a number of questions.

What do you want? Where do want it? What's the hold up? Why? How much do you think it will cost? Are you going to get color? What does your Mum say?

I don't intend to spend today's Tattoo Tuesdays post answering all (or any really) of these questions. However, it is also important to realize I am no expert. I have been in a tattoo shop approximately ONE time. To say I was intimidated is putting lightly. I was there to get pierced and the guys working were incredibly easy going and made me laugh. Definitely helped to ease my jitters.

Tattoos should have meaning. People will tell you time and again that you will regret them when you are older. I don't believe this is the case always. Yes sometimes, but I don't intend for that to be my "problem". Hence tattoos being well thought out and having a great artist on your side. I am surrounded by artists in my house. My Mum, though against tattoos, is someone I frequently discuss and even sketch preliminary designs with on scraps of paper. She is one talented and supportive lady! She gave birth to my 3 extremely artistic siblings as well. My sister paints, sketches, collages, etc. She and I frequently have discussions about placement of tattoos and debates of color vs. no color. I even make to steal some of her ideas sometimes. (insert grin) My brothers are never without some mode of writing and drawing apparatuses; which, my Mum can attest to as she has folders full of church bulletins with their little creature creations over the years. The other evening my brothers and I sat down and started a late night "Let's draw up fake tattoos" session. It is medicine for the soul, I believe, to be surrounded by such creative people. "Luck ain't got nothing to with it." God blessed me tremendously.

As well as meaning, tattoos should be tattooed by the best or at the very least the next best thing. This means, to me, tattoos are expensive. I don't want my tattoos looking like 'Prison Tattoos', so I intend to break out the big bucks. Correct me if I am wrong, but I can't imagine a great tattoo costing less than $100/$150ish. Remember I'm no expert, but I intend to go prepared. This may mean adding "Money for Tattoos" on my Christmas list. Shhh....don't warn my Mum or Santa for that matter. (insert smile)

Is it obvious I think about this a good deal of the time?


Features and other opinions for today:

Minimalism is increasingly more popular as of late. I also find myself more and more attracted to their simplicity. I like the "makes me stop and think" ability they tend to invoke. Pinterest find via my sister.

Another Pinterest find

Another important factor for me is placement. Hands, fingers, palms...I love hand tattoos. The compass and feather allusion to freedom is great for me in this tattoo. Of course I'm a compass kind of gal. The "smudge" of color is a nice addition. In answering the color vs. no color debate...I like color. However, I like looking at it more than the commitment to upkeep every year to maintain the colorfulness of a great tattoo. Color is not necessarily for me, but I can't bring myself to give it up when 'liking' someone else's tattoo.

 

 

Pinterest is a winner again today!

 

Remember meaning? Meet great story/symbolism for a tattoo! My initial attraction was the placement and choice for a tree and then the story sunk me.

 

"Since the 8th grade, my nickname had always been Tree because of my height. After a year or so this nickname started to become actually who I was, so I decided to get a tree on my side. The little guy to the left of me is my little brother who I love more than anything in the world. He is always trying to be like me, so when he saw the tattoo he begged and begged for on just like it. So I drew one on his side and told him it was a kids tattoo and that when he’s my age he can get a big boy tattoo."

 

 

 

Thinking it through or the basics: Placement, Price, Meaning/Significance and Decisions (Color vs. No Color, etc.). That should keep them busy, eh?

 

 

 

“You can kill people with sound. And if you can kill, then maybe there is also the sound that is opposite of killing. And the distance between these two points is very big. And you are free--you can choose. In art everything is possible, but everything is not necessary.”

~Arvo Pärt

 

 

 

 

Footnotes (footloose and fancy free):

• If you're interested in keeping up with my tattooing adventure finds be sure to follow my board on Pinterest 'Sink Me In Ink'. Did I mention Pinterest enough today? ;)
• Remember a long time ago in a galaxy faraway when I asked if someone would be interested in designing a new banner for me? No? Here it is again because I'm still looking: I'm looking for new banner art for Tattoo Tuesdays' posts. The picture at the top was just my bored half attempt at a quick 'smarty' banner for these posts. I didn't expect for them to continue, but they have and they are some of my favorites. Please leave a comment if you have an interest in submitting art or photographs, etc. for a banner. You will get recognition. Do you expect anything less from me? (insert smile) Tell your friends!
• Today I 'played' it easy and listened to my Pandora Mumford & Sons Radio station while writing. I'm at the shop after all.

Tattoo Tuesdays: Why don't we fall in love?

Why don't we? Why didn't we? Why haven't you? If only those questions had quick and easy answers. Do we really want easy to become a way of life, though? I'm not saying we want things chaotic and crazy, but ease breeds a certain attitude that some find annoying, if not disheartening.

It's easy to love; it's hard to love no matter the outcome. It's effortless, almost life giving, to insert that love into daily routines, but in the end it is exhausting. Love is a many minded, bipolar, superstitious monster. We love and we hate this monster; I do anyways.

Are we seeing the setup theme for today's tattoos yet?

Tattoo Tuesdays: Quick Feature

This is my first Tattoo Tuesdays post in several months. I want to do it justice because I like tattoos and Tattoo Tuesdays' post so much, but my internet keeps freezing. Today will be a quick post; this way I'm less likely to toss the computer across the room. Anger management classes may be in order. (wink)


Pinterest had some fine pickings today. However, the first feature is curtsy of Tumblr by way of a friend's email.

According to this person's Tumblr the middle tattoo pays homage to this guy's, Hero Jaejoong, band. Below that is “Hope to the end” (Bible quote: I Peter 1:13) and left G-clef is “The pleasures of the mighty are the tears of the poor" (a Latin proverb). The right G-clef is “A song will outlive all sermons in the memory," quote by Henry Giles. Thanks Anna for sending me this tattoo!

Another Tumblr find. Tattoos with color are awesome to me. I know the colors fade over time, especially if you don't go back for touch ups, but they are so pretty and alive.

You know me and "Day of the Dead" things. I like the placement too!

Of course an anchor tattoo has to be featured!

Quote of the Day

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” 

~Mae West

Mundane Mondays: I can look up

The last few months of 2012 were not my best. They were crazy, chicken with my head cutoff busy and not memories I want to tuck away for a rainy day. When things get tough I tend to withdrawal and into my hermit hole I disappeared. I owe you, my blog followers/readers, an apology. I stopped writing and each week (Mondays and Tuesdays especially) the days would come and go with no words written. I’m not going to claim or expect you to have missed me, but I missed you. I missed writing. Although it is difficult and an overwhelming endeavor, I’m going to try to get my act together . . . learn some balance.

As it is Mundane Monday and now 2013, I wanted to quick recap a few 2012 happenings.

Christmas was the year of felt for me. If I had, had more time and energy my house would have become the ultimate felt factory. Thanks to a new favorite blog I follow, Design Mom, I’m getting new ideas all the time. The idea below for monogrammed ornaments came from her blog.

I took my love of Google+ and my new found friendships and applied felt. (insert smile)

My Christmas book loot (down from last year*) included:

My Photo 'Peeking Pages'

Time for the Goals!

Last year I played it safe with 7 somewhat reasonable goals. Unfortunately, due to a long list of excuses I won't go into right now, I only accomplished 2 goals in 2012. See goals here. I bought my Canon Rebel T3i camera, Calvin . . . love at first sight. I also, by God's grace, was able to continue to save for my someday Africa trip/mission. I have no idea how much I have saved, but it brings such joy to my "little" heart to hear the clink, clink of more coins in my bank.

Even though I didn't accomplish everything on my list I'm bring out the big guns for 2013. I want this year to be the year of motivational "get 'her dones". I want to show 2013 whose boss (knowing that God has the ultimate controls for my life, but not wanting to or allowing life's bleck to stand in my way).

Books, Books, Books . . . Did I mention books?

• Finish my 25 by 25 reading list: I am old. I'm turning 25 in May, ugh. I made this list some time ago and realized I'm WAY behind, having only read 2 of the books, and it is time to get going.
• Read The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: I'm not a fan or at least I don't think I am of him, but I want to read the book before the movie comes out.
• Read Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy: Time to read a Russian great! That and I want to read it before I see the movie . . . which didn't come to any theaters near me!?!
• Read 100 books and less eBooks: That's my goal and confession from last year.
• Buy less: Realizing that my "To be read" list on Librarything continues to grow and get out of hand; I want to focus on what I own that hasn't been read yet. Honestly, please someone send me some tips for withdrawal. I would like (like meaning this is my intention, but I don't know how likely or possible it is) to tuck away the money to buy a book each time I stop myself from buying it. (cough: yearight) Then at the end of the year (ok, ok, month?) reward myself with a book shopping spree.

Click, Pic, Flick!

• Flickr Famous: I would like to be featured; even just one of my pictures would be beyond awesome.
• Take LOTS of pictures: More hopefully equals honing my skills and technique. Plus I love taking pictures!
• Photoshop: Learn how to use it so that I don't smash my computer through the wall. Did I mention I have anger and patience issues?

Take Time

• Memorize a poem and/or piece of scripture
• Teleport to Portland: My new dear friend Deven lives in Portland and I want so badly to meet her face to face! I know I might scare her, but hopefully we can move past the initial screaming and running in terror (insert big grin). Deven is an amazing artist, not that she needs a shout out from me, but definitely checkout her Etsy shop!
• Bigger in Texas: I have family that lives in Austin. I visited the city about 5 years ago and miss it. It is time to see it again!
• Sew More
• Knit More
• Bake More
• Write more on my blog: I owe you guys, right?!?
• Write a Children's book: The ideas are floating around, waiting and ready.
• Magazine Mayhem: I would like to dedicate a day to catch up on reading all of the magazines I subscribe to. The pile at the end of my bed continues to grow and sadly remains untouched.

The Life of Maddie

• Continue to save for Africa . . . go to Africa?: I don't know what this year holds in store, but I'm game if God is game!
• Pay off Debts: Debt free is the way to be . . . here's to hoping it can be done.
• Learn to take a compliment . . . graciously
• Here we come a . . . Vlogging?: I have a few "dear" (wink) friends whose initials are Mum, Deven and Ron that are pestering me to make videos about books. We'll see, we shall see.
• Stop comparing
• Continue exercising (Don't you like how I am being vague with some of these goals: Knit More, Continue exercising??) 
• Punch a hole in it!: (insert grin) I need some new piercings and these are the ones I'm fancying to get: My tragus, my conch and my nose.
• Tattoo: Yep I want one and I think I'm ready!

I also have a few personal private goals that I hope by focusing and striving to achieve the above goals it will open the door for them too. I realize this list is leaps and bounds bigger than last year, but this year is about focus, balance and adventure! How can they go together? Oh they can, just wait and see!!!!

Quote of the Day

“Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.” 

~Louisa May Alcott

*That’s ok though, I’m finding I have enough books to last me for awhile and I need to focus more on reading what I have. I know we have heard this tune sung many times from me.

Tattoo Tuesdays: The Key to Conformity

I'm starting today's post a little differently. It is time for a little bragging! Well in edition to bragging, I wouldn't be where I'm at if it wasn't for followers, random stumblers and the diehards out there. I recently hit over 20,000 views on my blog! (victory dance) In addition I'm breaths away from 2,000 followers on Google+, recently bypassed the 400 mark on Twitter, and have almost reached 10,000 views on Flickr! I'm ecstatic and I realize some of these numbers may seem low to others, especially for how long I've been active on these sites, but even the 'little' landmarks mean something to little ole me. Thank you for sticking with me and even joining me along the way!

~~~~~

Often times when people find out that I have a blog they want to know right off, "Well (insert the skeptic voice over)...what do you blog about?" Then I precede to the list the topics. Unfortunately, I've allowed myself only time for Tuesday's posts lately, which means TATTOOS. I guess this comes as a shock to some as my flesh is naked of the ink that beckons to it. I even admitted recently that the idea of sleeves is very alluring. I want a tattoo. I want tattoos. I know what I want. I know where I want it. I know who I want to do it (and in my case there are two someones).

However, there are so many arguments and hold ups in the bag that it is difficult to sort between the do's and the don'ts. Whose views do you conform to? Which or what voice do you listen to? I'm still pondering these questions and my biggest thing is pay attention to what would be pleasing to God. I know what some say about tattoos and I realize it is more than just a decision of whose side are you on. It is ongoing thing to pray about, but in the meantime I'm trying to accomplish other goals that lead to the tattoo stage (for one....money). I guess I'm saying don't let your tattoo be an act of revolting against one sides views and don't get a tattoo to . . . to get a tattoo. That is your 'sage' advice for the day, if you can call it that. (insert smile)

I'm not sure if the above had anything to do with today's tattoos; it was just something on my mind I wanted to share with you.

Another featured tattoo by Deanna Wardin @Tattoo Boogaloo

 



I am a proclaimed Haiku Hater. We have a club, did you know? Perhaps it comes from having to write the blasted things in poetry class, but the poems aren't my cup of tea. The minute I saw this tattoo I was jealous and had to retract my previous hatred for ALL haikus.

Never forget:
we walk on hell,
gazing at flowers.

The lettering is gorgeous and placement is surprising, but I find myself liking it more for that reason. Flower detail and coloring, nothing short of awesome! I have no idea what the haiku actually means, but this is how I interpret it (yes as a Christian...don't roll your eyes!); the world in which I or we live in is the only hell some of us may ever know, but the knowledge that someday we will be in heaven is our 'gazing at flowers' moment and/or experiencing the moments that make life bearable here on earth. (Get a closer view of the tattoo by clicking here.)

Other Features for today:
 

Tattoo by Musa

 

I'm falling in love with abstract tattoos. I can't help myself! The weirder they are . . . the better!

 

Tattoo by Cody Eich @Studio 13, His comment (from Tumblr) about this tattoo:
This piece was inspired by some of the painterly tattoos coming out of Europe as of late.

Again with the abstract! The colors really make this tattoo for me. The tattoo artist, Cody Eich, is even in my backyard (kinda, sorta). He inks in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

I found this tattoo via my sister on Pinterest. Then I followed the links to a brand new favorite blog. She also has a Tattoo Tuesday post on her blog each week! Check out Tiffany's blog at Drops of Jupiter!

Of course placement is awesome and 'veiny' (Is that a word?) arms doesn't hurt either. I'm sorry I have to say this . . . Plaid! He is wearing plaid!!!!! I like this tattoo also because it makes me super curious as to the reasoning behind getting it. Blue plaid boy where are you? (insert big grin)

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” 

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tattoo Tuesdays: Don't Give In

“Don't give in to your fears. If you do, you won't be able to talk to your heart.”
~Paulo Coelho

 

 

I'm sure I've written about fear here on my blog before. As I was contemplating the direction of today's post I let my emotions play the part of compass. I have heard it said and even told myself that fear is a good motivator, but I find more often than not, fear is a prison. It is the hitch in your chest as a thought causes your next breath to stop midway on its escape. It is the excuse to stay put where you are, even though you want to jump over that hurdle and blast it to kingdom come while you’re at it. Fear is a poison that can and will continue to corrupt, if you allow it. I know because frequently I allow fear to 'motivate' me into inaction.

 

 

Thanks to Jeff Vinson for posting this tattoo on his Google+. Hopefully he doesn't
mind me featuring it on today's Tattoo Tuesday.

 

I have no easy answer for you. If I did I would follow the advice myself. Heck I'd bottle and sell it if I did! Some of you might not like me spouting scripture and band-aid like platitudes, but I have an answer nonetheless; one I even struggle to apply to my own life. Trust. It's not a four letter word, but it is just as hard to swallow. I feel like a hypocrite writing this because I can't follow this at times, but trust; trust that the Lord can and will get you through these times of fear. As the tattoo simply states: Fear IS a LIAR.

 

Quote this to yourself:

 

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

~Philippians 4:8

 

I can't see fear falling into any of those categories, can you?

 

 

Other Features for today:

 





Tattoo and Photo credit goes to Deanna Wardin on Flickr here.

I want to destroy something beautiful. ~Fight Club

 

Awesome detail (clean and simple), typography and a heart, what more could I ask for? I like the flying paper planes too. (insert smile)

 

 

 

Cut me lose and let me live . . . no strings attached please!

 

 

 

She is a rare breed, matter fact,

she's an endangered species.

her heart’s been broken and just

like mine it remains in pieces.

But every time we’re near each

other smile is all we can do,

Our shattered souls intertwine,

I know I’ve felt the same agonizing

pain that she’s been through.

I find comfort in her grasp

so I reach out with both arms…

 

 

If you can tell me where this poem originated (you must back it up with sources folks) I will kiss you! Okay I will not kiss you, but you will get a prize of some sort. (insert smile)

 

I like the tattoo because of the poem, but I'm not sure I like the placement. I realize you are limited when the poem or words are this long. However, I couldn't walk around with a backless shirt all the time (or ever really) and how else are people going to see my tattoo?





Tattoo Tuesdays: Honest to goodness

I have this theory. Caffeine is alive. It thinks. It breathes. It plots against me. Caffeine knows I crave it and that I can at times become an emotional, havoc causing, sputtering, truth 'sayer' in its wake. Dancing bears, painted wings, things I almost remember . . . and all that jazz. I'm not making much sense, am I? It is the Caffeine I tell you!

I guess I'm saying Caffeine causes me to be honest, leaving me vulnerable and likely to tell you things I am better off letting sleep in my subconscious for me alone to dwell on. I'm in a contemplative mood (thanks Caffeine) and liking the walk down memory lane my mind keeps taking me to. All my tattoos for today remind me of someone, evoking a sense of freedom, recklessness and playfulness. I always want to bottle those attributes and horde them to myself. I tend not to be good at sharing the things I love.

The typography nut in me loves this tattoo! This tattoo makes me think of trying to capture a wild horse out on the frontier of America. I may desire to capture that freedom and take it away with me, but the very thing I long for--the chaotic 'mess', the creature that throws 'look before you leap' to the wind in favor of pushing the limits and expectations and the ability to make each day an adventure of the unknown--I can't bind it to my heart without losing in the process. I don't want to tame it. I want to go wild with it!


Other Features for today:

Sweet and simple. It is always nice to have the 'simple' reminder to smile. There are so many sayings that go along with smiling and so many memories.

Smile . . . you never know who is watching.

“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” ~Dr. Seuss

“Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.” ~Mother Teresa

So let's smile :) . . .

Take that cigarette out of your mouth! (insert grin) Why do smoking pictures always have this level of 'oh so hot' attached them? (pun not intended) I mean I know it is bad for you and I will never smoke, but still . . . Look at me I'm only talking about the cigarette and after all, This Is Art. (insert 'innocent' grin)

“If you do not tell the truth about yourself you cannot tell it about other people.”

~Virginia Woolf

"The time has come," the Walrus said, "To talk of many--no--fifty things..."

“For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet or excite you. Books help us understand who we are and how we are to behave. They show us what community and friendship mean; they show us how to live and die.” 

~Anne Lamott

I caught myself wandering in the realm of 'being baffled', by questions coworkers were asking me yesterday. First off I'm the youngest employee where I work. I've worked here since graduating from high school, so the stigma of "Oh she's the 'baby'," sort of follows me wherever I go, especially as I've known my employer since I was 9 years old. At times it bothers me, but it can't be helped. Second, I'm inexperienced and have lots of learning and rocks to turn over in the world. Third, I'm typically conservative and quiet in nature . . . well amongst my acquaintances. The real deal folks are who see the real me, otherwise it is a waste of time, energy and vulnerability I have no desire to test any further.

Those observations aside . . . I was wondering why coworkers decided to ask me about 50 Shades of Grey. Oh 50 Shades, with all your delicate and gruesome subject matter, "Yes, let's ask Maddie, because I'm sure she will have the answers you are seeking. Either that or we'll get to see Maddie blush a thousand shades of crimson when we have her cornered." This is not subject matter for the work place folks . . . let alone ME. You try explaining what . . . yeah . . . is to your eager/waiting coworkers is and then wondering why you even know this stuff to begin with. I felt like a bumbling idiot and yes I blushed! :P

I have NOT read 50 Shades of . . . 'waste of my time'. I truly have no desire to do so for many reasons. However, I read and read and read until I'm a little grey faced myself, the numerous critical reviews, articles, funny parodies and whatnot. No, not because deep down I crave a torrent affair with the book. I crave knowledge, I own a used bookstore and obviously people find it necessary to ask me questions about books. I have to equip myself somehow, so I read everything there is to know about the book. Perhaps you view that as wrong. How can I form an opinion of a book without reading it? It is one of those cases; I don't need to taste shit to know it tastes bad. 

Anne Lamott says in the quote above, “For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth.” Maybe this is why people ask me, because they realize this is true about me. And maybe this is why I won’t read 50 Shades, but everything else about it.

Last Thoughts

I'm also intrigued by the comments from many people, complete with dazed expressions:

"I don't know why I read it. It was poorly written and basically bound for the trash, but I couldn't put it down. I loved it!"

What makes this book different from any other erotica book out there? Erotica and all the other sordid content that comes with 50 Shades didn't come on the scene when E.L. James penned her story. It has been around the block a time or two . . . so why now the sudden bump with popularity; the sudden acceptance of not only trashy content, but ill used synonyms and 'rip your hair out' worthy analogies? Why are people (notice I'm not singling out the women) so eager to be led to the slaughter?

Tattoo Tuesdays: Be ye not afraid to FALL

What is your favorite season?

It used to be I answered that question with a quick nod at my man Fall. Now Fall is first, but Winter is a close second. Autumn colors, smells, sounds, tantalizing tastes and more. I like the cold and fire. It would seem that with Fall you get cold, but not so much so you have to seek hibernation too soon. The fire surrounds you; whether you drive by the country folk burning their leaves, you're roasting marshmallows in the backyard or you watch the trees kiss the sky with their flames . . . the fire is everywhere.




Look closely what else can you see?

Other Features for today:



Ahhh the deceiving notion of perfection.

Can I get witness?
Albeit a fake tattoo from Tattly, but cool nonetheless.



If I lead will you follow?
(More for the picture than the tattoos...guilty.)



 

“I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion.” 

~Henry David Thoreau