where have you been?

current tune: Beirut "Nantes"

where have you been?

where have I been?

where did you go during those warm warm days?
when the sun never set and time had no card on the table
we found on the curb
the other night
after that shitty party.

there was no music.
our departure had justification
for the new millennia.

what have you done, little girl? on the busy bustling city streets

you live in old suburbia.
where the old age and the lawns are mowed precisely every 4 days
give or take precipitation levels.

you drive to your rhythm and you smoke what you can breathe.
chasing your adventures
searching for the american dream.

the winds are coming and change left his bill in the mailbox.
those late fees do rack up, buttercup.

go find yourself a russian.
to open your eyes.


Too many times have I left this poor poor blog of mine to the wild and whims of the internet to just sit and deteriorate from lack of love and use. I've been too caught up with life, bills, work, finishing school, artwork, musical venues, adventures and road trips, meeting new people and dancing the night away, trying new things and losing much sleep.

I don't regret it.

I missed you, cozy quail.
I'm back.
to take care of you again.

love,

Caroline

I have moved!

I have re-located and am still in the process of altering a new blog.

You can find me here.


<3

ch-ch-change

current tune: "Got Your Number" by: Nadia Oh feat. Space Cowboy

Like most girls who are always looking for new styles, innovations, change is needed! I thus decided to give myself a little trim and bangs again! I'm later thinking on an angular cut that I might have the assistance of a salon professional. None the less, when I cut my own hair for a different change, it gives me a sense of liberation. I am choosing my own actions and proceeding. It's a great feeling.And I acquired a fresh new pair of mulberry converse!

They're a different color than I would have chosen, if there were more of an option....but they are growing on me! They're bold in their own way. Slightly sarcastic mixed with artisticly-punk-icons. For anyone who knows me, they know my classic blacks traveled all over Europe and back. I hope you have a similar beloved piece of shoe-love.

I'm also thinking about painting them and putting my own design into my shoes. I've always wanted to do it, and never had the courage to do so. So, now is a perfect time than any to do so!
I was thinking white, black, and baby blue. Possibly another pastel color? I'll do a little research and post some good inspirations.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

While in a class today I looked up some links randomly on methods to become a positive person with a positive outlook on life. I want to stay positive through the "living-on-my-own-for-the-first-time experiences I have had, and keep positive through the stress of class and my life. Here's a wiki I found with some insight.

Next on the list is meditation....and hopefully a weekend home to see my family and possibly a camping trip with my artist in two weeks.Doesn't this little clay Totoro just make you all warm inside?

the shelf that caroline built

current tune: "Europa Neurotisch" by: Stereo Total

Yesterday, while looking for plastic milk crates at Target I stumbled on cheap, DIY shelves. I figured for $20 I could construct this shelving unit without too much difficulty and house my numerous books, sketchbooks, notebooks, and random books I keep acquiring. As of yesterday I have not put together a particle board shelf. As of today I will think twice when I make a purchase like this again.

One cut thumb and about 6 hours later I had it built.

Shelf: 3

Caroline: 5 I feel quite accomplished after this was finished, and happy that I did not let a piece of espresso covered particle board get the best of me. As for the thought of purchasing any IKEA furniture for my flat.....that might have to wait.

Why is it that DIY things like this never go as smoothly as you plan while you're in the store?
Maybe it would have been easier, and more cost efficient to simply just get lumber cut and use the old hammer and nails.

I was also contemplating on painting it. As an artist, and just a creative individual in general, I feel the need to make everything my own. I'm sure you can relate, and even experience the exact same feeling. Maybe a bold funky teal or bright color associated with India or another exotic country will make a good statement. Or a collage of magazine/collected images?

We'll see what happens. Good or bad, I put a shelf together by myself and without the help of a man.

fall reading

current tune: "Heads Will Roll" by: The Yeah Yeah Yeahs

New font = exciting!

I am very bogged down with my workload senior year as an artist just trying to get her BA. Though currently I am working on an illustration about censorship in the media (possible topic of usage in senior paper...!!) and am all out of my usual monochromatic friend, my classic sharpie markers.

Though I haven't been taking too much time to search for fantastic artistic inspiration to share, I have been nibbling at various books, and am also very guilty of picking up a new book when the one I was currently reading isn't finished yet.

These are some of the lovelies in my life at the moment:

The Essence of Self-Realization
Though, I was told this book is not the most reliable on the subject of self-realization, I am enjoying it and will be using it as a precursor to expanding more on the subject.

The Cheese Monkeys
This is a fantastic book I picked up at my local Salvation Army for $2.00! It's about a college freshman going into art school in the 1950's and it is quite enjoyable to spend some time reading.

Art Since 1940: Strategies of Being
This was put on the list because although it is one of my textbooks, I have felt like I have learned the most from this text than any other in my experience of liberal arts. It's liberal and heavy reading, but very informational.

I wish I had more time to produce the art that has been hibernating in my head since summer, but there's little time with work, papers, and all else in the academic world.

It's officially 11:38pm and I am craving a new pack of Sharpies.

back in action!

current tune: "Into Action" by: Tim Armstrong

So, it's been quite some time! I had to take some time off because I did not have a dependable source of internet, and was too busy with other pressing things to take the time to blog...sadly.

But, here's to a new start up!

New inspiration, new finds, and of course new adventures!

Though this may be like any other autumn for a good majority of people, it is my last fall semester before I earn my BFA in Studio Art with minor concentrations in Art History and Fashion Design. I will have completed my 4 years of college and will be a different person since I began this small milestone in my life.

I'll be keeping updates on my current work. New drawings and illustrations, ideas and inspiration for my upcoming Senior show/project in spring....and on inspiration for my "capstone" paper.

I've done a lot of growing up this summer with my new companion, Nick, and I'm not finished yet!

So, from now on I'll be updating my blog with tidbits, movie trailers, and a taste of my artwork!


here's to a fresh new week!
brought to you by pandas.

temporary shut down

Not to follow a trend of fellow bloggers who seem to have taken a break from blogging due to more pressing priorities and busy lives....I, too, am taking a break. I do not need a break from blogging, and am far from being inspired to blog.

I'm currently residing with friends in the area which seems to be falling more on the lines of commune with no internet and little privacy.

I think it is better to say that I'll be back in a couple of weeks when I find a new home and get settled again.

Sorry!

what's a good night to you?

current tune: "Sweet Smoke" by: Mr Scruff

Oh, how I love diving into rare finds of ultra retro clothing with vintage fabrics! I went over to my friend Zoe's house and met my other friend Bill there to visit and of course...play some Mall Madness.
Bill and I share a common bond of fast-food employment...only he makes very rad tunes as well in his spare time! Check out this happenin' dude and enjoy some chipper music!

Bill showed me the greatest retro cardigan I have seen in a very long time! It was love at first sight with a squeal of joy at the old knit piece. It even has a button on the left side that says, "Go fly a kite!"

The glasses were so much fun to wear!

He let me use the faux glasses as a touching accessory, but alas, I had to give them back so he could use them as his one accessory for Mcd's. I am currently burrowing this lovely lovely and will be happily and proudly sporting it around wherever I go. It's so geek-chic and is very comfortable to wear! Unfortunately with August approaching central New York....I don't know now how much I'll be able to sneak in cardigans into my summer ensebles.

He's my very caring stylish friend who makes music, smokes his cigarettes, and loves anything retro and refined. I think everyone needs a friend who is proud to sport their own style and go through life in their own mode of transportation.

The sweater went with the rest of my current summer ensemble.

sweater: burrowed from Bill
cotton sleeveless ruffle top: $5.00 at TJMaxx
skinny jeans: 9 pounds at Primark in London
bag: $10.00 at Old Navy (2 years old)
retro leather cuff: present

I liked the brick as a background in the hallway of my flat....but the lighting was shite. This is why I am a drawer/painter and not a professional photographer.

The night was followed up by some inspiration painting by Nick and drawing for me....with some chocolate chip cookie baking! They were much anticipated and most delish! Nick was re-attacking some canvas board with ideas and I was drawing inspired by one of my favoritie bands, The Kills! (I'll let you all know tomorrow once I finish this little beaut!)

It's quite rewarding making art and having a warm dessert next to you as a little treat to spark creativity.
And of course with good company and days filled with adventure.

...What's a good night to you?

album appreciation: amon tobin (cujo)

current tune: "Break Charmer" by: Amon Tobin (Cujo)

Amon Tobin, originally born in Brazil, released his first album under the name Cujo (not to be mistaken for the rapid canine). "Adventures in Foam" was released in September 1996 under a British label, Ninebar Records.

Tobin began producing electronic music with samplers and other audio equipment. While taking a class at a university in Brighton, he responded to a magazine promotion for the London-based Ninebar record label asking artists to send in demos of their songs. Ninebar signed Tobin to the label in 1996 after hearing his early work, and he traveled between his home in Brighton and the studios in London to produce his first official works.Under his original alias Cujo, he released a series of drum and bass remixes on vinyl. His first full-length album, "Adventures in Foam" had a limited release of 5,000 copies. Tobin was later signed by Ninja Tune under his own name to produce 6 additional fantastic albums.

Tobin is best known for his use of sampling, where a small section of a previous recording is manipulated to produce a new sound. His use of this technique has changed over the course of his career. He manipulates the sounds with a combination of audio hardware, and software such as Cubase and the original source is often not recognizable in its new context.
Tobin says that he sees it as a "genuine" expression of the time he lives in, as he says blues, jazz, and Brazilian genres were "genuine" expressions of the 1960s.

Amon Tobin released 6 additional albums after "Adventures in Foam," up to his most recent in 2007, "Foley Room" released with Ninja Tune.

If you enjoy slick beats and good mixes that can serve as both being main music or background music, check out this dj's killa tunes.

go strut your stuff...secretarial style

current tune: "Buddy Holly" by: Weezer

It was very exciting to wear the new teal pencil skirt I bought at Salvation Army yesterday. I paired the newly acquired item with a snug fitting white short sleeved top with a ruffled front, a thick black waistbelt, a purple pashmina, brown moccassin flats, and my new headband.

top: free from a British friend
scarf: pashmina from 99cent city - $3.99
belt: H&M - $7
skirt: Salvation Army - $3.99
shoes: Target - $9.99

(I realize the photos are far from fantastic...again..)

I simply adored wearing the high-waisted skirt and feeling very happily retro! I am going to keep my eye out for any other pencil skirts that I may come across in my thrifting adventures. That great vintage secretary/librarian look could very well make its way into my style.
This great inspirational fashionista goes by them name Piksi, from Finland, on Flickr. I stumbled upon her page and went through some of her fab outfits. I love her vintage appeal and her fantastic sense of style! She is definitely worth the look into for styke inspiration and ensemble appeal!

Cardigans, vests, sweaters, big glasses, brooches, pencil skirts, and old fashioned blouses are worth having in anyones closet.....if you go for geek-chic appeal.

Anyone know of any good sites...or places...for big vintage glasses?

Possibly ones that you could replace the lens in and use as prescription glasses?