Riding

We went riding on Dec 27th. It was Sean, Henry, Page, and I.
I got to try out my new ridin equipment that Santa brought me. Yipeeeee!!!

boxing day

Boxing day is the day after Christmas. There is a lot of history around boxing day. Google it! For my family it meant Christmas. My awesome boss said I could be late to work[wow] and I got to go too. So these are some pictures. They aren't my favorite but they are the only ones I could pull up.

What a fun Christmas.

mr handsome

My brother Damon. He looks like he is asleep. teeeeheeeheeeee.

Wilma Clark and I at a kick butt Jazz/Blues club in Chicago.

ouch

my lips burn. they are chapped.
My dog gena is in training with this woman rachel and it rocks. We just got an "E" collar. It is really effective.
Today I got aquainted with Ken Wright's art. It is awesome. The work is nice and abstract. the way I tend to like my art. Ken has a studio at the D'art center. Ken also has a horse at Royal Stables, where I keep my Joy.Ken is a Buffalo Soldier too. I will be riding with him in a parade in portsmouth in Feb.
Tonight I am eating suhi with Sean then going to the Substance Xmas party. I have been to so many Christmas parties. I love it.

ooops

My phone is broken. The land line that is. Of course I'm on an awesome long distant phone call when I found out. I was talking to my uncle Lit who lives really really far away. bummer. growl.
its been a while since I wrote. Uncle Lit said he reads my blog so I am now inspired.
I think Sean and I are going ice skating or rollerskating tomorrow night. We decided we need more excersize. I only really believe in fun excersize.
Work has gotten fun again. Today I was even singing there. The seasame street song was one of the songs. Yay.
Right now I am wearing my new Santa Claus hat. Sean gave it to me. It has a leopard print trim. I am going to wear it to all my Christmas events. I love Christmas so much. The cheer is contageous.
I saw walk the line last Saturday at Lynnhaven Mall. Then on Sunday I saw Harry Potter at the Commodore. The difference in theaters made such a huge difference. The Commodore is this beautiful theater with dolby digital surround sound. We ate dessert while we watched. Sean and I decided to watch all the movies that come there. We are lucky too because the theater normally chooses great films since there is only one screen.

so right

You Are 20% Boyish and 80% Girlish

Even if you're not a girl, you're very feminine.You're in touch with your feelings, and your heart rules you.A bit of a emotional roller coaster, one moment you're up and the next you're down.But no matter what, you try to be as cute and perky as possible.

How Boyish or Girlish Are You?

my horse joy

sweet kitty

Mamie Callahan Stephens. A great cat. Killed October 2005. Found, dead by the mean neighbor. She had her second wound from some animal. The first, a gaping absess on her cheek, was fixed cheap by Greenbrier Vet clinic and VCA vet clinic. The second made her an angel.

teapot

This is the image I used for my invitations for my art show at the New Belmont in Norfolk. It is still up. I sold 7 pieces.

My old truck as a lawn ornament. She is not my truck anymore. She was sold because she didnt work too well. My car now doesnt work too well either though. hmmm

funny pictures

http://www.skirtfullofhell.blogspot.com/

early riser

It's Friday morning. I'm so awake. Ok, I am yawning a bit. I woke at 6, surprised to have beat the alarm. My mom was taking a shower and the morning stretched into focus. I got up and began the day after playing with my Gena dog for moment. I have a half an hour before I depart so I am cutting this short.

post NYC

I went NYC last weekend. We saw Dead Can Dance. Now I'm overflowing with inspiration. My art show is in 10 days so it helps.

so its october

October is my favorite month. I love dressing up so Halloween makes me quite jolly.
I got off work early today so I get to work on my art show.
I'm listening to Nientara "Consequence". I gave this CD to Amanda. I'm hanging out with the cats, drinking chocolate silk.
My cat, Mamie, got attacked by something. When cats get bit and it's not major, it absesses and gets all pusy. I had to take her to the emergency vet on Saturday. The gave me a huge break since I worked at a vet with a good reputation that refers to them a lot. It really made me love my job. The break they gave me was to do the very minimal amount of care, knowing I would take her to VCA on monday. It saved me a lot of money. She was totally fine today when I took her to work.
I went to go see Rilo Kiley and Coldplay on Thursday night. Sean surprised me with tickets. We got there late so I missed most of Rilo Kiley's set. That bummed me out since I LOVE THEM. Coldplay won my heart though. They had a amazing live show. I knew a lot more songs of theirs then I thought. Plus being there with Sean ruled. We met up with his brother and future sister in law. They were great company.

cleaning.

I have been cleaning all day. I even made dinner and bought flowers.

long time coming

Its been forever since I was on here writing. That will be changing.
I'm living with Amanda Diachok and it's grand. I miss my parents though.
Today I woke up like I was going to work- early.I ate a banana and got on here. Now I just have to find exhaustion again.
So I am dating this awesome guy named Sean Grimes. He is amazing. I am also teaching riding lessons and still working at VCA.

roller derby

I went skating last night and had so much fun. I joined the Dominion Derby girls a roller derby team here in tidewater. Big thanks to Sean for convincing me to go. Thanks to jeanne for the directions and encouragement.
Everything has been a whirlwind these days. A big beautiful whirlwind. I have been staying with my friend Amanda Diachok. Its been so wonderful.

treats

My dogs are eating treats.

finally

So it takes forever for this site to load at my friends house so i havent been posting. I have so much to say though.
Right now the most beautiful cat is snoozing right next to the keyboard under the monitor. aaaw I think I'm allergic to cats though. No Amanda Diachok thinks that. I kinda agree. My cats live outside against my family's wishes. They are so independent. If we try to bring them in they throw a fit. Crying and running all over. At times they come in on their own though.
I have been going to the barn consistently thanks to Amanda. It's really refreshing. I have two other women who are getting envolved in the barn too. One of them is named Kari. She use to show horses even. She hasnt ridden in a year though. The other woman, Jennifer, wants her eleven year old daughter to ride. So awesome.
This situation in New Orleans has really hit home. My high school friend, Denise Bonis, lost her house and almost all of her music equipment. Its very sad. My boyfriend, Daniel, is playing a benefit show on the 19th with his band 1888. That's exciting. Its at Station 2 on the 18th of Sept.

ichy lips

My lips ich. I think it's from allegies.
My friend Keely and I hung out for the first time in over a year. It was so awesome. Refreshing. I love my girlfriends.
The art show at the New Belmont is on. I just have to get my art over there and install it. I have a lot of unfinished pieces I want to include too.

Sweet Nala

My sweet horse friend Lunmore Nala died this past week. She was a beautiful Chesnut Roan Pony at Cavalier which is the barn I use to be at. She was in a lot of pain, but so young. My head is spinning. I dont know how to react. This is definently encouraging me to write to the woman who owns the barn. We had a falling out. I want that place back in my life so much.
So, to the new angel in heavan. Nala I love you...

fluids

Today, I had dead dog fluids dump on me. My job is lovely. There must be something wrong with me because my reaction was not what I expected. I wasnt horrified. I just wanted to change. I expected to be more shaken up.

the military blues

My new good friend Amanda Diecheck[sp] has the military blues. Her awesome husband is leaving on thursday. He has to go somewhere oversees to sit and wait. She is so sad and furious... I would be too. I will never be envolved with a military man again. Its too hard. Daniel, my boyfriend's stint in the military is long over, thankfully. My heart goes out to Amanda and her hubby.

monday mornings

Normally on Monday morning I am at work. Today, however, I got to sleep in until 9am. Yipee. I didn't sleep that late all weekend.
Hurricane Katrina is on her way. She's in Florida right now. My brother, Damon, is glued to the TV. He's a surfer so this hurricane brings him good waves. Jebb Bush is now speaking. Yuck.

two bugs

Two bugs bit my leg. Now the bits are iching like mad. Splendid.
I fell asleep super early tonight so now I am a wake at midnight typing wishing to be asleep. tomorrow will be all screwy now.
I just returned from a wonderful trip to Chapel Hill or my uncle Richards. It was so kick butt. Yummy food. Great music. A fun yard sale. A hot tub and of course my amazing family.

a little after midnight

http://jennida.blogspot.com/ What a rad blog. This is by miss Jennida Chase, who I love and cherish.

CRASH!

So I am leaving work and smash goes my car. just a little light busted out BUT STILL. It took up so much time and now my car has another ding in it.
Last night I met up with Danny Holcomb. He is kick ass. I think a great friendship is brewing there. Speaking of great friendships, I hung out with Amanda D today.We hung out at work then during our 2 hour break. Tomorrow we are hanging out again. I mean we are working together again. We are called the 'A team'... Today I also got to meet her husband. He is so awesome too.
Another thing about last night is that I was suppose to meet up and talk with this guy to talk to him about the New Belmont's upcoming art openings. He left by ten.... The Open DJ night doesn't even start until ten. Argh.
The tea party has been moved to another date because mom wants to go to the big war protest. I'm not sure when to have it but it will happen.

by the way

I forgot to update this on my job/going out of town scenerio. They rocked it. I suppose I get every other wekend off. THAT RULES! I forgot to check on first Fridays. ooops. I guess I could still make it if I went in my scrubs. Or changed in the car.HMMMMM
First Friday is this awesome art event in Richmond Va. On the first Friday of every month, there is this HUGE strip of art openings on Main St. I have only been once. IT blew my mind that there was an art scene that close that was of that magnitude.

almost 4am

I dont know why I am up. I guess it's too close to wake up time for me to go back asleep. its almost 4am. I suppose I could go back asleep but I need 4 hour incriments. I would only get 2, pout. I am up at 6-6:30 these days. That is a miracle since I use to wake at noon. The glory of work!
I left crazy dog, Gena, in my bed. For once she didn't wake up and follow. I guess the entire house is passed out, dead to the world asleep.
So this other, new Amanda is so very rad. She is a horse woman too. I am hoping she will fall in love with Joy and want to half lease her. Or even give her riding lessons.
I am so worried about my 2 dogs and 2 cats. They dont have all their shots. They also need heart worm tests. Pout. I get a fat discount in 2.5 monthes but I dont know if I can wait that long. I suppose I can but gee wont I look bad to my coworkers... Coming in with a crazy dog, an angel dog, and two amazing cats all neglected... argh. I don't know what to do. I could spend my entire pay check on that project.

i love my work

I cant believe I can actually say I love my job. That is so amazing. Today there were only 5 dogs in the kennel compared to the 20 dogs we had over the weekend. That means I got to go up front to help the vet. The human interaction did me good. I opened up. I can get quiet almost shy.
I got to watch two surgeries. This is a major feet since I use to get squimish around blood. Now I am A ok. I even got to interact and see some cat fetuses. Obviously one of the surgeries was on a pregnant cat. She was ferral and the doctor was working pro-bono.
I also salvaged a ton of stuff that was going to be thrown away. Toys, a blanket, sheets. My dogs are so happy with the toys and blanket. I am using the sheets in my art.
I'm going to go lay down now. I have a busy night up ahead.I have to go talk to people about artwork.

another amanda makes me smile

There is another Amanda that started at work today. She rocks. She made work fun. I am not over it anymore. I went to Pet Smart on my long break today and filled out paperwork. Later, Amanda informed me that Pet Smart expects me to work bathing dogs for a year before they send me to school to be a groomer. Forget that!
I started sewing last night on my new sewing machine. It rules. I feel like I am really getting work done. I am sewing the borders of my tea prints.

over it already

I am already over my new job. bummer. i think its mostly because they ignored my request to start with 25 hours and I worked a tad over 40 hours. I also can't see my horse ever with the hours I am working. Next week they have me scheduled for every day and I am suppose to go to NC. My favorite cousin Jamila is in NC along with her rad family.

busy bee

I'm a busy bee. I have been working at the VCU Vet. Hospital. It's fun. I havent even seen daniel since friday. sad. I also havent been writing on here. no time.

Pretty

Jeanne Noonan is BEAUTIFUL. Last night I went to her pin up girl phot shoot and she is too hot for teacher. Danny Holcomb is way talented. He is the photographer.
today Im going to see my horse and make peach preserves. Yipee.

old car

I had this 50s pin up photo shoot planned for Saturday but the sweet car backed out. So now I am searching for new ideas or an old car. Everything seams like a no go. Pout.

my horse

I have a horse and her name is Joy. I have had her for almost 14 years now. She is 17. She is a chesnut polish arabian. Last Friday I discovered that she was lame for the first time in a long time. When a horse is lame that means they are off or limping. It could caused by a variety of things. For Joy I was clueless to what caused her lameness. Then I had to figure out how to treat her all by myself because the barn that we are at is a bare bones establishment. So I finally tracked down some bute. Today I am going out to check on her. Hopefully she is all better and we can go for a ride. If not I am going to continue admistering the bute and hope she is well soon. I might ride another horse there too.

good news bad news

Good news: My horse isn't lame anymore.
Bad news: School says I need to take one more class. I thought I was finish, graduated.... aaaaaah.

This is me at my Bachelors of Fine Art from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago's art opening. It was fun. Jackie Neon help dress me up.

cant sleep

DAMMMMMN IT I cant sleep. I'm totally bogged down with ideas and curiousity. curious about my new job and ideas about my upincoming show. Tonight I went to the New Belmont to check it out for a show. I didn't meet with the guy who runs it yet but Sean talked to him for me. Sean is a good representative for my work. So hopefully I will be having a show in the next couple of months. The space is really cool. It is made up of a long baron one wall and tables on the other. The walls are exposed brick. There is also a stage at one end and pool tables at the other. Exciting.

This is Wilma and I at this Jazz bar in Chicago this last spring.

almost 2 am

Can't sleep cus my honey, Daniel Ryan Driskell, wasn't in his bed. I've wondered out and here I am, writing again. I have had such a whirlwind of a day. I am left, at the end, with a job and a smile. My job is as a kennel assistent instead of a vet tech at VCA vetrinarian hospital. I don't have the experience. I am satisfied with that because the hospital will train me. Daniel heads off to bed. I will follow soon. I have a bug in my system that is screaming to vent. On Saturday I will be doing a photo shoot where I am the model. It's time to play 50's pin up. Danny Holcomb will be the photographer.

Here is my collection of bottles and dried oranges and grapefruit. This was installed at my BFA show for the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

obsessed

I am such a dork. I love tea way too much. Is that possible?
http://www.celestialseasonings.com/index.php

Tuesday

Today I go for an interview to be a vetrinarian assistent. I'm so excited. All my work to get a job is paying off.
I'm working on having a Tea Party. My art needs massive amounts of used tea bags to stain fabric. I cant drink but so much tea. I hope to have 50 people there. Its scheduled for September 30th.

a return

I went to see my horse, Joy, and she has so many bug bites. I put this ointment on her and now she looks like a dalmation, pout. She lives in Suffolk at this barn named Royal Stables.

Ms Jackie

meet my favorite person in chicago: Jackie Neon

me

me on the side ooooops!

purple and underlined

my oh my, my feet hurt! Yesterday I had a grand ol' time running around from one thing to another. I still can't believe the hours I'm rising. Today I awoke at 6:30 with no problem. My pooch, Gena is doing fine now that all the drugs wore off. She was so naughty and ferocious. The vet injected her three times the normal amount of anesthesia. It’s really embarrassing having such a mean dog. I really want to get her in school but noone likes pit bulls. I also did some rare party hopping. I doubt it counts because there was family members there...I ended up crashing around 10pm which is the earliest I have gone to bed in forever. I had the glorious opportunity to show some of my recent works at the second party. The feedback was so kick ass.

PETA and art

I have returned from delivering Gena to PETA to get fixed. I spelled it Gene-a before. There was a debate on how to spell it. It was quite a success. She behaved. I think her curiosity overtook her aggressive nature. Gena normally barks and growls at everything. PETA also has a wonderful, top notch dog park and spay neuter program. A three woman were there, each with feral cats. Now the job hunt continues. That and preparation of my art. I sew the edges of the fabric to create a border. Either before or after the sewing, I stain the fabric with tea, chocolate, coffee, and various other natural dies. This creates a very organic, abstract images. My audience finds various faces and other shapes in the images.

pictures

i dont know why but my computer won't let me upload a picture. bummer. I just noticed i could change the time on this thing. awesome. sometimes i rush things and dont notice the options. im off to get ready for the day now and try to catch the sun peeking over the surrounding houses. its been so long since i have been up for the sunrise.

I'm a myspace junkie : http://www.myspace.com/amandapagestephens
My cousin rules visit her site: http://www.eleveneleven.net

awake at 5am

I am so blessed. My family is the most amazing...
Up at 5am. My mind woke me. I figured why lie awake in bed when I have something to say, finally.
Today our dog Gene-a looses her ovaries. Its such an intense process that so many brush off as nothing. She is just getting fixed right? I think this is something major they take out the entire organ! I think.....

cool southern qoutes

* Words that soak into your ears are whispered...not yelled.
* Forgive your enemies. It messes up their heads.
* Every path has a few puddles.
* When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.
* Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
* If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.
* Always drink upstream from the herd.
* Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.
* Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin' it back in.
* If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.
* Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply.

a saturday night birth

a blog is born on the eve of saturday. this blog is for and about my art and life.