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August 31, 2006

forgetaboutit.

It seems the MFA thing is not gonna happen, at least not this fall.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to my skool fund, it really meant a lot to me.
There still is a chance for a last-minute miraculous happening, like, a (not really so huge in the scheme of things) pile of money could fall out of the sky. One never knows.
Part of it is my fault, because I applied late for financial aid, not that there really is such a thing for grad students, at least art students, at least in this case, because it seems like there's not. Here was my secret plan- vast amounts of student debt. Followed closely by the wildly popular childrens book What's That Smell, Marcel? followed by the wildly popular childrens television series, and/or movie, sales of plush Marcel toys (including Marcel, The Big Dawg- can you see it now? The Big Dawg action figure? and also Lucy the Spaz and maybe friends Ashley and Daniel, on little molded plastic bikes) can you see it? I can see it.
Which could be carried out with or without a degree but I thought that part might be the kick in the butt that I seem to need. And might give me a sense of purpose, for a while. You know? I know. Its really not so tragic.
Anyway, thanks again everyone for your support.
Stay apprised of developments on alternate plan right here on the Knit-a-Log, by me and my BFA, which will continue to get me on the bus, as long as I got $2.

Posted by pippypippy at 04:24 PM | Comments (2)

August 27, 2006

How gorgeous I was- August critical mass

"Maybe you don't know how gorgeous you really look until you take off your clothes"? Truer words were never spake! In this case, by the inimitable Aurora Butterfly, in this month's issue of The Derailleur, The Unofficial Publication of Chicago Critical Mass. Ah yes, the last Friday of the month has come and gone, dear readers, and in case you missed the ride, here is a little of what you missed out on~

Me showing my somewhat naked self to a portion of the North side of Chicago, who were lucky enough to witness it- The Pippy Pastie Ride!
(photo courtesy Dan of the Apocalypse- thanks Dan!)
The pasties were in the form of temporary tattoos, mine were lots of tiny red hearts, I gave the flower ones to the boys! Because David and his friend Louis joined in and it was pastie madness all around, and there's just something about boys in pasties!

Well, you can see, I was doing a little stealth nudity, (and didn't want my face in the picture, for some reason, which I now sorta wish I wasn't making a goofy face under my hand, but oh well) but did manage to scandalize and delight more than one onlooker. And the billowy side of my shirt makes a nice angel wing, no?
Really interesting things happen when you ride your bike half naked, especially if you are a girl, I found out. And its not just the usual stuff from men, because often they are so surprised they actually can't come up with anything to say at all, although they nearly always smile! And plus its pretty funny watching the ones who try to act casual. It was quite an interesting social experiment all around, to say nothing of the pleasing sensation of the wind against one's skin!
The night was perfect for riding, the threat of storms having passed us by, and the largish crowd seeming in good spirits. There were minimal confrontations, and no major accidents- always a bonus! And the ride went through Lincoln Square- within barking distance of the Big Dawg and Marcel, who, unfortunately, slept through it all!

The route ended at the lakefront, where Dan and I found David again. There was great potential for further nudity at the beach, but we opted for coffee instead, and covered our nipples (me and David, as Dan was more modest and also feared the potential adhesive/chest hair issues) and went to A Taste of Heaven.
Ah yes. Bikes. Pasties. Friends. Cake.
This is what I'm saying!

Posted by pippypippy at 01:09 PM | Comments (2)

August 21, 2006

Knitting content!- with visuals

If such a thing can be imagined!

So look out!
Because Pippy is blogging with wild abandon!!!
First, though, I give you, the niece of all nieces! Lucia! Swingin' in the comfy rocker with Grandma (who was too shy to get her picture taken). Behold the cuteness! The cheeks! The tiny pata!! Lucia loves her Grand-mere.

Its a tough act to follow but here in its as yet un-sewn splendor, I give you~

The Ballet Wrap Cardigan.

And finally, the Trekking I got at Sea Needles.
Couldn't you just lick it?? Yum. Who will get the Very Special Lucky Pair of Trekking socks??

No one can say!!

Posted by pippypippy at 02:55 PM | Comments (2)

August 18, 2006

some dawg pitchers

This weekend is the air and water show. It is a nervous little dawg's least favorite weekend after the 4th of July.

Luckily, there are doggy sedatives.

So Marcel will be just fine. Believe it.

Thanks to the Big Dawg for dawg photography!
Also, absolutely unending gratitude for all time to everyone who has clickety-clicked on my Paypal button! We at the Knit-A-Log are overwhelmed by your support, generosity and kindness! Big big thanks!!!

Posted by pippypippy at 06:14 PM | Comments (2)

August 15, 2006

its come to this

Panhandling- see shiny new slightly wonky Paypal button to right.
Here's the thing. If I want to go to skool I have to pay my matriculation fee. If I pay my matriculation fee I can't afford to move. Plus, I can't afford to move anyway. So the situation actually is hopeless, but I thought I'd try asking the universe, and you, dear readers, just in case.
Classes start September 13th. So its a little bit of a stretch. Plus I don't actually know how I would pay my tuition yet. Probably I better get on these things.
Not sure if that button is functional.
Eternal and undying gratitude to any and all who may click it to find out.

Posted by pippypippy at 09:34 AM | Comments (1)

August 12, 2006

kinda sorta red lettuce

Ok, so yesterday- or was it the day before? How soon they forget- I was all doing my Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction routine. But then in the space of one day things can change. Like the Muppet Terror Alert system button, which, I have to say, I'm kind of pleased to see is not stuck on Bert for once. I'm glad no terrorists blew anything up, and sorry for all those who had to throw away their shampoo and whatnot, but still. Bert had been around for awhile, and I was growing weary of his pointy yellow head. If such a thing can be believed! And plus, who is Bert without Ernie? I mean really.

But the other thing is I found out I can still go to skool this fall if I hurry up and get it together. So. That just leaves getting it together. The semester starts in Savannah at the end of the month. Is it the middle of the month?? It kind of is, isn't it? So. Now all I have to do is scrape up their matriculation fee (what can it cost to matriculate and what the hell is it anyway?? These clowns and their fees.) and then cross other bridges when I get to them, and I believe I could, if I were inclined, and brave.
Here is one plot I am hatching- taking to the street with my portfolio full of paintings and a WILL ART FOR FOOD sign. Maybe if I wear shorts and I look skinny enough, passersby will pity me?
Yes, its pitiful, isn't it? I NEED to go to fancy-schmantzy (well what artist doesn't need access to an equestrian center?? For the record, one pays equally out the nose for the [f]Art Institute and those cheap bastards won't even park your polo pony.)private art school! (yes, there's wars, there are disasters, but I need another degree in drawing pictures. Well, it might just make me qualified for a low-paid part-time teaching job. Which beats a low-paid coffee serving job any day, doesn't it? Not that I have one of those. But still.) But I do, I do!!!
Well, other plots are hatching too, but the most likely scenario is that barring a winning Lotto ticket (which of course, I don't play the Lotto, even when I have my lucky pair of underwear, which is another long story which I won't bore anyone with) I will remain in my own familiar Chicago purgatory, which I suppose there are worse fates, and two dollars will continue to get me on the bus with my BFA. Which should have been a lesson to me in the first place.
Anyway.
Stay tuned for developments.
In other news, a very nice party was held today in honor of tiny Lucy! Who, just fyi, is weighing in at a chunky 8 pounds these days. She couldn't eat any cake- no teefs- but the rest of us did, (myself included- don't tell!) and a good time was had by all.
Lucy slept through most of it, but there were lovely guests, big and small- including the young Keaton, Alex and Greta's 11 month old, who I met for the first time! He's big! He's curious! He smiles, even when held upside down! Especially when held upside down! And plus, did you know? He crawls backwards quite a bit. Very handsome! Very round!
Look for possible Lucy's Party pictures to come, as well as knitting updates, as I am almost finished with the Ballet Wrap Cardigan.

Posted by pippypippy at 11:12 PM | Comments (0)

August 08, 2006

Did you know it??

Our very own David is the Fabio of the knitting world! Its all because of the Yarn Harlot's visit to Austin on her book tour and posting this rather risque kilt photo on her blog! (scroll waaaay down for a coquettish David exposing his knee! Can a man with a beard be called coquettish?
I think in this case it applies!) In any event, the ladies can't seem to resist it, the handsome, sensitive, skirt wearing, sock-knitting type. I know I sure couldn't! Plus did you know what else?? (whispers it) he can cook. Hey, I knew him before he was famous! And have seen with my own eyes what Texans wear under their kilts! Do they go cowboy?? I'll never tell!!!

Plus Marcel gotta new lobster.

He likes it very much.

And plus, in case you didn't know, and it might apply to a situation you may or may not be in! You can send (very lucky pairs of) underwear through the mail. If you fold them lengthwise they should fit in a business sized envelope. Karma will reward you. Just fyi.

Posted by pippypippy at 09:47 PM | Comments (2)

August 01, 2006

some vacation pitchers + hurt cyclist update

At last! For your viewing pleasure!
Not necessarily in any particular order!

The house in Bethany.


This is the first half of the back of the Ballet Wrap Cardigan from Interweave Knits, which I am making in Manos. Yes, its too hot to think, and I am knitting with wool. You have got to plan ahead for Bike Winter. Which is what I was thinking of this afternoon in my un-airconditioned blast furnace. Oh! The snow rides! Did I complain about it??
The weather will break. This is what everyone keeps chanting.

The Ballet Wrap Cardigan lounges by the pool. The thing on top is a seashell, and sticking out, a seagull feather. Because! It was the beach!

Left to right~ holding bags of yarn~ the little girls are Tessy, 3 and three-quarters years old, (who didn't want her picture taken at all, but we're so glad she indulged us!) Caroline, 3 and a half, and Cleo, 6. In the middle is Tessy and Cleo's Dad, and kind sponsor of our girls' yarn-shopping trip to Sea Needles,(The Largest Needlework Store on Delmarva!) Eric.

One day the tide came waaaay in! All the small people loved splashing in the tide pools under the boardwalk. Joey thought wading was almost as fun as eating sand.

Rob and Joey Helpy-Chalk being their cute selves on the back porch.
No, Joey doesn't have a mohawk. And fyi, Joey is living proof that crayons really are non-toxic. Believe it.

Eric found a poor little dead turtle, squished flat by a car in the health club parking lot. He brought it home and Cleo and I examined it
through a protective plastic bag. Poor little squashed guy.

I couldn't do the turtle much justice with the disposable camera. It had beautiful swirling markings on its underside.

After a couple of days I was compelled to pedal!! There was a garage full of rather hopelessly broken bikes, but I managed to resuscitate this old Ross road bike by pumping up the tires. I christened her Ol'Suicide, as she had no back brake (a limp cable ran from the brake lever to the back of the frame where it was tied in a knot somewhat near to the back brake to keep it from flapping) no functional rear derailleur, (again, a funny non-functional flappy cable, anchored to the frame) and only 1 and a half brake pads on the front. Plus, I discovered in the middle of a ride, the seat was also rather dubious. Not exactly attached to anything in particular, but mostly hovering. When things heated up (Yes, my dear, mostly adult readers, between my thighs! You know you were thinking it) it was liable to twist sideways unless one concentrated on making oneself heavy.
In any event, Bethany is a vacation town, and traffic moves s l o w, and cars go waaay around bikes, if such a thing can be imagined.
Its very disconcerting! But nice.
I so wanted to bring Suicide home with me.

Oh, and plus, did you know? Its true! God watches over children and drunks (or do you say idiots and drunks?). It was rumored the young man who face-planted at Friday's ride had quite some blood alcohol level, according to paramedics on the scene. Which is not especially surprising, and may just have been the thing that saved his bacon, in a way! There is word he suffered a serious gash, an eyefull of blood, a broken tooth, and road rash on his cheek, neck, and shoulder. But is out of the hospital and recovering.
Here is a photo of the thing that swallowed his wheel.

Posted by pippypippy at 06:56 PM | Comments (4)

Marcel sez

Why do dishes??

Posted by pippypippy at 10:52 AM | Comments (2)