tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72544988868022611672024-02-07T12:07:14.689-08:00Jessadilla | Life in ArtLife. Style. Comics. Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113456124145983896noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254498886802261167.post-23539419583618281022014-09-17T02:18:00.000-07:002014-09-17T02:18:50.086-07:0030 Years<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OQ4r7p5l-Ho/VBkv-fETB6I/AAAAAAAABJU/zJJykzmI3LE/s1600/30yearsohno.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OQ4r7p5l-Ho/VBkv-fETB6I/AAAAAAAABJU/zJJykzmI3LE/s640/30yearsohno.gif" /></a></div>
As it turns out, I am, in fact, alive!
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Reasons for my absence boil down to a severe bout of depression following some unsavory life events, and getting back into the swing of art. And I'm sure if you ask almost any artist, stopping when motivated is scary because you never know when it will come back. In short, sorry for my absence, but I'm still not in the clear for a regular schedule just yet.
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Today is my 30th birthday. Looking back at my <a href="http://jessadilla.blogspot.com/2014/01/30-before-30.html">30 before 30 post</a>, I definitely bit off more than I could chew with that list. I never really factored in my bouts of severe depression, which was silly of me seeing as how they happen multiple times a year, and this year was no different.
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<br>To bare all (or to bare what I am at least comfortable with making public knowledge), I went through a break-up with my boyfriend of two years, which somewhat set off the depression. Shortly after, my living situation worsened due to almost total and constant lack of privacy or any time alone. As someone who is very introverted, I require a great deal of time alone to function around other people. I wasn't (and still am not) getting that much needed refuge, so life is a constant game of "how much anxiety will I go through today?" I'm still saving to move, but my moving date keeps getting pushed back as new expenses arise and I honestly lose hope at least once a week.
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That particular spell of depression lasted longer than most, and it was the most severe to hit me in a while. However, I've mostly pulled out of it and can focus on trying to better things for myself as best I can while in my current situation.
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If you follow my <a href="http://jessadilla.tumblr.com" target="_blank">art tumblr</a>, you've no doubt noticed the barrage of fanart that has taken it over. To be honest I can't really make any excuses for the fanart. I used games as an escape from my problems and what it led to was more inspiration than I knew was possible. I'm still so relieved over feeling any desire to pick up my artwork again, whatever the content. The fact of the matter is, I've drawn more in the past 3 months than I had in the past 3 years! Unforgivable! What's also sad is how quickly I'm improving. If I had put this much work into the past three years, imagine how much more developed my art would be by now! It's a shame. I can only hope this inspiration leaks into my original work soon and I can start putting together my comics without getting discouraged!
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To focus on more of the positive in my life, I began taking care of my body again. I wanted to turn 30 without more regrets than necessary, and getting back into shape was one of the things close to the top of my to-do list. My body was feeling more and more foreign to me as this year passed, and finally I had enough. As my depression cloud faded, I knew I had to do something to help with my physical well-being. I wanted to feel comfortable in my own skin again. I'm well on my way. I joined Pop Physique in late July and have been going at least 3 times a week ever since. There hasn't been much change to my physical appearance (if any) but I can definitely feel a difference inside myself. I FEEL and strong and capable and it is affecting my entire outlook. I feel more confident than I have in months and months and even when I'm not having the best of days, I can still feel some satisfaction that my body feels more familiar to me. I've still a long way to go before I'm at my best again, but little by little I'm getting there.
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Turning 30 has always seemed like such a huge milestone and a big deal. It was like the next major level up of life! I've been worried for the last few years that I hadn't done enough, that I had nothing to show for myself despite being an official OFFICIAL really real adult now. How did I get here without earning all the required XP? Being here now is a lot less scary than it looked two years ago. Hell it even is a lot less scary than it looked 2 <i>months</i> ago. I still have goals and dreams, some may be possible and some may still be dreams forever. (Does the ultimate margarita truly exist, and where can I find it?) Maybe I won't accomplish anything until I'm 40, or maybe when I'm 50 everything will fall into place in my life. I think it's best to stop relying on magical numbers now. Whatever I do or do not accomplish have nothing to do with my age! I can only focus on doing what makes me happy and living my life the best I can.
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I still plan on going through my 30 before 30 list and talking about what I pulled off and how and why. I also still have tons of Portland photos never shared. Photo-editing is such a task! I think if I share those, I might just jam my favorites into a big post (or two) and be done with it. I still have a few ideas floating around for this blog, though not exactly the ones I originally intended. My outfit posts are on indefinite hold for now. While part of the reason I stopped doing them was from depression and not feeling good about myself, the other reason was weight gain. I don't fit into a majority of my favorite clothes right now. I'm also not anywhere near well-off enough to just completely overhaul and refill my wardrobe with my current size. Without cute outfits that fit, there aren't any cute outfit posts. I haven't even been taking outfit photos for instagram anymore either. I'll get back into that whenever I'm able and hopefully have enough of my other content to keep things going around here.
Regardless, apologies for my unannounced absence, and apologies still for what will continue to be a rocky path to getting this blog to where I would like it to be!
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For now I plan to continue my week long celebration that began on Sunday. I'm 30 damnit! It takes at least a week to process and move on to the next level of age. Will this be the year I finally learn the much coveted skill of playing through a D&D game? How much more grinding at my day job will I have to do to earn enough coin to support my true passions? Will I finally complete quest "move out of parent's house"? Until then, that quest for the ultimate margarita continues.
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Until next time,
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Jessie xxooJessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113456124145983896noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254498886802261167.post-62681555503806106642014-06-19T17:28:00.001-07:002014-06-19T17:28:51.836-07:00Obsessive Escapism<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DQ9I5Iq9Tpg/U6N2lXI9bKI/AAAAAAAABIQ/Nqy_DTcap2g/s1600/aram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DQ9I5Iq9Tpg/U6N2lXI9bKI/AAAAAAAABIQ/Nqy_DTcap2g/s640/aram.jpg" /></a></div>
Have you ever just completely lost yourself in something? A good book, a movie, a relationship maybe?
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When I get into something, I can lose myself very easily. I can easily become obsessed when my emotions are really invested in something. Escapism is a coping mechanism for me with anxiety and depression, and while in some cases it can also become a crutch, it's definitely my go-to when life is handing me stressor after stressor.
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Over the past month I've played through the entire Mass Effect trilogy. It seemed like the right thing to do because life was just kind of becoming overwhelming with all the what-ifs and unanswerable questions. I've played the first game before with mild enjoyment, and had played part of the second too with greater enjoyment. However, my memory being what it is, I couldn't really remember the details of the main plot and decided to replay the series from the start. And I guess my sense of escapism kicked in because I got 100% emotionally invested in the games this time around. I gave more meat to my Shepard (which is who you see in that drawing, my Aram Shepard) and obsessively read about the Mass Effect universe in down time, and I drew fanart.
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If you're into games, RPGs, or shooters (ME is third-person) but also enjoy being part of a story, I'd definitely recommend these games, though I would say to give yourself time in between. These games are actually very emotionally intense and playing them back to back really affected my emotional health. The writing can lull at times but for the most part it is very on point.
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My reason for enjoying games so much is to be actively involved in a story where your choices affect the outcomes. For me, it's kind of like being an actor in a movie, except you're choosing the script and the direction that movie takes. Plus you get to meet some great characters along the way and make a few fictional friends. I'm not sure if that's something to promote. But as an introvert who has commitment issues, and relationship issues, finding comfort in fictional characters is something I've been doing for a large part of my life. I'm not sure it's something that will ever change either. But that's a story for another day.
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I'm not saying what I've been doing over the past month is very healthy. I haven't gone out much (I'm trying to save money anyway, but I'm reaching near hermit levels of reclusion) and have avoided spending time with people because I wanted to play the games. I've obviously ignored this blog. Not to mention I've been neglecting my health. My eating is erratic at best and my sleep is even more so. This level of obsession and escapism isn't something I do often though, and I usually recover pretty quickly (i.e. after the game is completed, which it was as of last night).
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But on the plus side of things, it's gotten me drawing again. And painting digitally again, which I really missed. I already have tons of ideas written down for paintings and comics. Having the urge to WANT to draw and paint is amazing. I hope I can hold on to it and just enjoy making things, even if not everyone cares about them. Just making things I like would be great.
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Do you guys have similar coping mechanisms or inclinations toward escapism? What are your favorite ways to escape once in a while?
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Because the music for the Mass Effect series is also wonderful, I'll leave you with this:
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Such wonderful soundtracks with amazing scores. Clint Mansell of "Requiem for a Dream" fame actually pitched in and composed the tracks in this video.
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Until next time!
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Jessie xxooJessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113456124145983896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254498886802261167.post-51705551747846007762014-05-19T13:33:00.001-07:002014-05-19T13:35:30.006-07:00Required Reading 01: Comics!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbiAaBjPkY0As8jpu27huytJgvkzkrUtybuSxawyJsdDpsCeg_Ua5IxXDfi9wTUyyn_nIhSmM5tRJ9F8QZM9zP34eYprY2AKB3BMJYId1ro7edbLvduFDZv4i8Kqj9XdSP3SbNYiLISDO/s1600/IMG_6707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbiAaBjPkY0As8jpu27huytJgvkzkrUtybuSxawyJsdDpsCeg_Ua5IxXDfi9wTUyyn_nIhSmM5tRJ9F8QZM9zP34eYprY2AKB3BMJYId1ro7edbLvduFDZv4i8Kqj9XdSP3SbNYiLISDO/s640/IMG_6707.JPG" /></a></div>
My reading goal for the year is falling incredibly short. I've only read 2 novels, and am on the third now. I have, however, read a bunch of comics this year, and while I don't know if I'd count them all towards my reading goal, I definitely think they're worth sharing!
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<u>Beast</u> by <a href="http://hchom.com" target="_blank">Marian Churchland</a>
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I've been following Marian Churchland for some time now, and her art never fails to impress. So when I saw this book in the shop, I had to pick it up! I was thrilled to find out that her writing style and story-telling is just as good as her art! The story is a modern take on Beauty and the Beast (without the hostage and stockholm syndrome aspect for those who don't care for that) that was supposedly inspired by the passing of Churchland's dog. Either way, the story is very subtle in the way it progresses, but I picked it up to check out a few pages, and couldn't put it down till I finished the whole thing! The story follows Colette, a struggling artist who picks up an odd commission from an even stranger client. The story is beautifully told and the art holds up as equally beautiful!
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<u>Drinking at the Movies</u> by <a href="http://www.juliawertz.com/" target="_blank">Julia Wertz</a>
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<i>Drinking at the Movies</i> is a painfully hysterical autobiographical look into a tumultuous period in Wertz's life. When I say painful, I mean it! Sometimes I didn't know whether to laugh because some events were so terrible that it was hard to see it as funny, <i>and yet</i>, the way Wertz describes situations, there's a definite levity to all of it where you can't help but laugh! This book is not for the faint of heart; there's a lot of graphic language, adult situations and lack of political correctness that some may find offensive. But if you don't think that would bother you, I definitely would recommend this book for those that love bio comics. Personally, they're a favorite of mine and Julia Wertz has an incredible knack for finding humorous ways to describe even the bleakest situations, and doesn't hold back with embarrassing or personal details to add more context to her story. It was a great read!
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<u>French Milk</u> by <a href="http://www.lucyknisley.com/" target="_blank">Lucy Knisley</a>
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French Milk was Lucy Knisley's first published work (I think?) about her trip to Paris with her mother. The book is enjoyable enough, though not my favorite of her body of work. It lacks the same fluid and imaginative style her current work possesses. However, it's not a comic (which is what I'm used to) but a travelogue (basically it's a journal with pictures). It's less detailed and wordy because it is basically just Lucy keeping track of her time in Paris. And while it's entertaining, it wasn't one of those books you can't put down because you need to know what happens next. However it still has markers of her current style (both in aspects of art and storytelling). Lucy is actually one of my favorite cartoonists and she has had a really interesting, almost magical life. It's always a treat to read even a tiny bit about it.
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<u>Relish</u> by Lucy Knisley
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After reading <i>French Milk</i> I was definitely in the mood for more of Lucy's work. I bought this book during my Portland vacation and ended up reading all of it before we even left the book store! Not only does she tell fantastic stories of her childhood, she explores her relationship with food through her parents and how she came appreciate and love good food. Her life is almost magical (at least, very different from what I experienced, like she was born onto a movie set!) and I loved her anecdotes and their relevance to each chapter. A bonus is that she gives recipes after each chapter where you can make the food she talks about in the book! I can't wait to try some out! This book was amazing and I loved every bit of it!
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WLf4RQTMelQ/U3pe-owIjmI/AAAAAAAABHI/yDPkkJMnPAA/s1600/friendswithboys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WLf4RQTMelQ/U3pe-owIjmI/AAAAAAAABHI/yDPkkJMnPAA/s1600/friendswithboys.jpg" /></a></div>
<u>Friends with Boys</u> by <a href="http://www.faitherinhicks.com/index.php" target="_blank">Faith Erin Hicks</a>
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I have been a fan of Hicks' work since she was still updating her webcomic <A href="http://faith.rydia.net/" target="_blank">Demonology 101</a>, so I was really excited to dig into Friends with Boys. Her artwork is distinctive and fun and diverse. I have always loved the way she draws faces and the detail she puts into backgrounds. She's an excellent artist. The story was good, but the climax was a bit underwhelming, and there were added tangent plot points that didn't go anywhere. The general plot was okay. It kind of jumped around a bit. I'm not sure if her webcomic had a more solid story, or if I remember it differently because I was younger and my exposure to comics was minimal. Honestly I'd have to reread D101 (which I may do some day) but over all I fell in love with that webcomic and this story wasn't nearly as endearing to me. It was a cute story though.
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<u>Koko Be Good</u> by <a href="http://jenwang.net" target="_blank">Jen Wang</a>
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I've been dying for AGES to get my hands on a Jen Wang comic. Ever since I heard about her ill-fated webcomic Strings of Fate, I've been enchanted with Jen's artwork. Finally I found an affordable copy of Koko Be Good on amazon and jumped at it. Koko Be Good was an amazing comic. The story centers around two young people who are in the midst of finding themselves, and figuring out what they want out of life. Koko is the kind of character I would normally hate, but she's actually pretty endearing. A brat who suddenly decides to be a good person and does everything she can think of to stick to it? And Jon reminds me of some friends I had ages ago who just needed to figure some things out. Plus Faron's subplot is pretty heart-breaking! Definitely pick this up if you're able!
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<a href="http://www.ironcircus.com/sleep_of_reason/" target="_blank"><u>Sleep of Reason: A Horror Anthology</u></a>
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I read this all in one go and sadly wasn't a huge fan. I've always had that problem with comic anthologies. I bought this anthology because some artists I follow/love were going to be in it, and while I DID enjoy <i>their</i> contributions, I didn't enjoy much else. There were stories that had great art, there were a few really creepy stories, but at least half the book was either okay or just plain "meh" to me. I won't name specifics because I can leave that up to you to decide, and I don't want to call anyone out on their contribution. I understand it's difficult to make a comic scary when you can see what's coming from panel to panel on one page, but I felt like some of the stories didn't even make sense as a horror. This would be a book I'd rather borrow from someone than own myself, but it's a little late for that. At least I got a really awesome print by <a href="http://bsabo.com" target="_blank">Brittney Sabo</a> with my purchase!
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Well that's all my reading content for now. When I read a few more books, maybe I'll do a non-comic update. If I had the time I'd love to do a picture book report for books (drawing pictures for the books I read) though that's just adding more work onto a pile of things I'm already behind on!
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Have a great week!
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Jessie xxoo
Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113456124145983896noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254498886802261167.post-64055022890669167062014-05-06T18:35:00.000-07:002014-05-06T18:35:09.017-07:00Portland 03/02/14 | Belmont and Beyond<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsA3_Wl7Eti-t7Uhm7iwLDBpq8eM94QyR9UJGTipOaSNjbfB5-xFCGg37CyA9DwtPc9bZkJAd1IzYZXrzZzLvQBGNaNB90d4IR1_NAQG-ZIqNQblUtaZqvif5vtA_1qvaGpwf9CTPTOIe/s1600/IMG_4425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsA3_Wl7Eti-t7Uhm7iwLDBpq8eM94QyR9UJGTipOaSNjbfB5-xFCGg37CyA9DwtPc9bZkJAd1IzYZXrzZzLvQBGNaNB90d4IR1_NAQG-ZIqNQblUtaZqvif5vtA_1qvaGpwf9CTPTOIe/s640/IMG_4425.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3PYcAewpZ0U/U2mChbqswkI/AAAAAAAABAQ/TvIlHNXZuGQ/s1600/IMG_4427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3PYcAewpZ0U/U2mChbqswkI/AAAAAAAABAQ/TvIlHNXZuGQ/s640/IMG_4427.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yppcxin_WZeGhRlFA0HqeplcSPVf2QrYrspO4Gvf1FL9h3B0guhbkYxf6Qv6lMa989QkEBDBezxdFIiDnu-9HXmg-mOVkeBW_WdogvH5D0Y68-kaD-ox9PA5yUL7pbomvkEmGznnNFt1/s1600/IMG_4432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yppcxin_WZeGhRlFA0HqeplcSPVf2QrYrspO4Gvf1FL9h3B0guhbkYxf6Qv6lMa989QkEBDBezxdFIiDnu-9HXmg-mOVkeBW_WdogvH5D0Y68-kaD-ox9PA5yUL7pbomvkEmGznnNFt1/s640/IMG_4432.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNOlAcYkyokLALJmN4XZhkwYIYBMUTSbHI1P5WVi9YNNyVvZHVwDhGJjTR1NmQXu14UKwDqcfJaebN9tJMIOo0TO5WBOiYRbXFiBDyD44Hof4kjBTBRv3Cxfo5bunC-NaM4u-tkOs25cW/s1600/IMG_4435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNOlAcYkyokLALJmN4XZhkwYIYBMUTSbHI1P5WVi9YNNyVvZHVwDhGJjTR1NmQXu14UKwDqcfJaebN9tJMIOo0TO5WBOiYRbXFiBDyD44Hof4kjBTBRv3Cxfo5bunC-NaM4u-tkOs25cW/s640/IMG_4435.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWCIa2_RYKCpl3ciLVPcufL5AednpDHdRmDy_PzXphe1gvkZeGOthguv-_r-JIztlWfUUIRsC24iFHiqbu2XZsI18YK-1HhRQLVIyG5jW6qEbQAqFduhXJ_IadpfrV4ihoXErGu87q-no/s1600/IMG_4440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWCIa2_RYKCpl3ciLVPcufL5AednpDHdRmDy_PzXphe1gvkZeGOthguv-_r-JIztlWfUUIRsC24iFHiqbu2XZsI18YK-1HhRQLVIyG5jW6qEbQAqFduhXJ_IadpfrV4ihoXErGu87q-no/s640/IMG_4440.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SaTuqzk_3A9TERHCTi2ezhOZPV2MdJLuOSkkJdHZ35PSv60vVDWI_hnzu7o7utEtgBCiy4-sYVZAqjEd9JF6hh_upOx9-lPMcHPlAs85MJmmEBIt7h_YOgm7gFU-WMgFNFRAmhzWRzmA/s1600/IMG_4444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SaTuqzk_3A9TERHCTi2ezhOZPV2MdJLuOSkkJdHZ35PSv60vVDWI_hnzu7o7utEtgBCiy4-sYVZAqjEd9JF6hh_upOx9-lPMcHPlAs85MJmmEBIt7h_YOgm7gFU-WMgFNFRAmhzWRzmA/s640/IMG_4444.JPG" /></a></div>
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Our first Sunday in Portland was spent in Belmont District for the most part. Both my brother and I fell in love with the atmosphere and character of the district. Everything had personality and it was a beautiful area on top of that. We walked around for hours in the drizzle just enjoying all the sights and street art. We unanimously agreed that Belmont District was definitely our favorite spot in Portland!
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Everything was so colorful and green. We couldn't help ourselves from weaving through residential areas and I even dragged my brother through the historical cemetery in the area. I've never been able to walk through an historical cemetery before, the ones by me are all modern and plain, so it was nice to find one with character and interesting headstones.
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After hours of walking around, we headed back to the area where our host's home was and walked around the little main street there. It was pretty sparce, but had its own personality that was pretty cute! Plus we found a great cafe called Posie's which had the best coffee I had during my entire trip, and a freshly made pineapple danish that beats every other danish I've had in my life!
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Yes, it was absolutely worth all three photos! (Plus my brother can be a little cutie so I had to post his pic too!)
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Anyway, I didn't realize how image heavy this post would be since I cut down the images to less than a third of what I actually shot that day! Crazy! Is that a pain? Is it better to hide a chunk of photos behind a "read more"? Or is it less likely that you'd read the post if it's behind one? Being relatively new to blogging in general, I'm not sure what is best for posting/viewing. Also, does anyone know how to get all shortcut images to be the same width on the page? I use the blogger general format for shortcutting the images, but I don't really like how the taller images are sized with a smaller width. If you have any idea on how to help out, I'd really appreciate it!
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My back is pretty messed up right now so I've basically had to lay down for 2 days straight. I can't do anything that even requires me to sit up, so photo-editing seems like the perfect way to pass the time. Hopefully that means I can get more posts from my trip up sooner and organize them in a more view-friendly way.
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Until next time!
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Jessie xxoo
Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113456124145983896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254498886802261167.post-43329674444147895592014-04-30T22:30:00.000-07:002014-04-30T22:32:13.935-07:00All work and no play and all that<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvrnBq_AA5REf8bnz-OqGo-xn5JAL08JELDL3HjONczO0dPqtmcd4wp8N9QYr5MDV5sFnVLTT3Sm_dXznVAzeYDWVUDjzTgGLy_ghNPyLjKMZRtZsZtmrTw3R3LaATyPSEg1lDMKAgwsT/s1600/burnedout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvrnBq_AA5REf8bnz-OqGo-xn5JAL08JELDL3HjONczO0dPqtmcd4wp8N9QYr5MDV5sFnVLTT3Sm_dXznVAzeYDWVUDjzTgGLy_ghNPyLjKMZRtZsZtmrTw3R3LaATyPSEg1lDMKAgwsT/s640/burnedout.jpg" /></a></div>
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Apparently taking on ten extra shifts in one month, dealing with some pretty bad news, and throwing yourself into personal work makes for a bad blog month, who knew? I'm exhausted. I barely had the energy to draw this little thing, but I feel bad neglecting my little baby blog! May is going to really clear up for me, and I'm trying to plan some posts, but things are still a little chaotic around my home so I'm not sure I can even stick to a schedule, as much as I'd love to have more time to update.
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The one good thing that's come out of all of this is that I've gotten back into the swing of comics. I missed making them so much. I'm terribly rusty, but I'm already improving as I work through them. There's nothing to show for it currently, but the script was completed, and I'm about a 3rd completed with the page sketches. I'm really excited about it, and will definitely share news about it when I'm ready to put it up for viewing! The heat in LA right now is heavy and slowing me down a bit (extreme heat gives me the worst headaches!) but I'm still pumped about creating again, and have been slowly working through world-building for my epic fantasy comic (which is something I'm working on for my 30 before 30 goal list!) I'm actually hoping to knock off a few things from that list in the coming months, so hopefully I'll have some posts regarding that!
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Lastly, I'm still working through my photos from my Portland trip, but actually thinking of posting them in a few more condensed post, or else it might take me months to actually get through all the posts for it, which makes no sense as I'll likely take other trips by that point.
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Alright, I'm off to write some more world-building notes, while half-watching Charmed (I've been watching through nostalgia goggles and it's still a little painful!) and sweat all over everything I own.
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P.S. The dress I'm wearing in this drawing is currently my favorite thing. So comfy and cute! They're still selling them at Target right now!
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Until next time!
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Jessie xxooJessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113456124145983896noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254498886802261167.post-68250645511685667392014-04-06T12:51:00.000-07:002014-05-06T18:37:29.647-07:00Portland 03/01/14 | Multnomah Falls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOuLf_wAzQrhwsHWzOWhr8WKWR0Hd7RC0N4iilpnSNF-ue3hZD9iMsYzGSIFRcSwF8kVIQ1FACoAqsENw8wOT_Qd33UqcbGn_eKzlmYy8csMiuAtG6wQU56ES-4aJA_wIu_YY9ibbJStw/s1600/IMG_4353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOuLf_wAzQrhwsHWzOWhr8WKWR0Hd7RC0N4iilpnSNF-ue3hZD9iMsYzGSIFRcSwF8kVIQ1FACoAqsENw8wOT_Qd33UqcbGn_eKzlmYy8csMiuAtG6wQU56ES-4aJA_wIu_YY9ibbJStw/s640/IMG_4353.JPG" /></a></div>
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I think our hike at Multnomah Falls was definitely one of my favorite memories of the trip. I would not have guessed at the time. We were freezing, definitely under-prepared for the cold and snow (as you can probably tell by a lot of my shots blurred by rain/snow/hail) and the drive up there was extremely stressful with all the wind and rain! But all in all, the beauty of it was unlike anything I had ever witnessed in person. California has some decent spots, but nothing at all compares to what we saw in Oregon.
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A lot of my pictures were actually taken with my phone, due to the snow/hail (I don't know what it classified as. It was like little baby hails...is that snow?) I was worried about messing up my camera and having no idea how to fix it, I opted for (hypothetically) ruining my phone instead, since it was insured.
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Even after we adjusted to the cold, there were still reminders of how freezing it was. Not sure if you can tell in this picture, but my hair is basically frozen, with bits of ice stuck to it!
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Bless those sexy souls who can look carefree and comfortable in any setting. I'm sure it's pretty obvious we were beat and worn from the wind and snow added to our hike. All in all, it was an amazing trip for both my brother and me! We really wanted to go back, but our limited time with our car left us no time to make a return trip. Guess we'll have to try again some other time. (Though I'd rather leave out the snow and cold next time for sure!)
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Have a nice Sunday! <br>
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Until next time!
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Jessie xxoo
Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113456124145983896noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254498886802261167.post-47547740225619672222014-03-28T16:34:00.000-07:002014-03-28T16:34:34.911-07:00One of those days...weeks...months...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_dveD_jeSrw/UzYBCn5aMKI/AAAAAAAAA7I/9WVI7WCG-Qs/s1600/readingoutfit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_dveD_jeSrw/UzYBCn5aMKI/AAAAAAAAA7I/9WVI7WCG-Qs/s640/readingoutfit.jpg" /></a></div>
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You know you're in a slump when it's the middle of the week and you can't remember what day it is. Slumps come and go for me, and I'm not particularly worried about this one, but I can easily identify my slumps. I don't want to go out much, I wear clothes that reflect ease and comfort rather than style choices. My clothes are often more drab colors, so they don't stand out when I eventually do leave my home for work or groceries. I've been sticking to leggings and loose dresses and my new favorite sweater from Forever21 (who, by the way, had excellent sweater choices this winter!).
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I haven't felt like being out since I've returned home from Portland. Post-vacation depression? Is that a thing? Getting back to routine, to work, and to all the things you were trying to get away from on your vacation; it can be a little overwhelming. I've been trying to be productive by working on comics, or reading, or cooking, but sometimes even the smallest thing is too much work. While I have no small amount of troubles, sometimes they pile up and seem insurmountable. Needless to say, as much as I've wanted to get out and do some fashion posts, they've been on the back burner on my list of self-care and priorities. (Whoo boy, good thing I didn't decide to make this blog focus on fashion!)
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This post isn't to worry anyone, I'm not fine, but I will be. These things tend to happen to even the most positive of people (a list for which I probably do not qualify, but that's neither here nor there!) and we all seem to push through. There'll be a day where the items in my closet speak out to me again and I'll be able to put together an outfit and feel amazing in it! But for now I'm just going to push through this little slump of mine until I'm in a better place emotionally and wear my drab, comfy clothes.
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I'm actually still editing photos for the next post from my trip as well. There are just SO many lovely images from our trip to Multnomah Falls that I'm having a hell of a time trying to weed out any of them! The nature out in Oregon was just so beautiful, it's hard to look at any picture and think it's not worth showing to everyone! Perhaps I'm just not used to seeing green as others, though. I mean how many pictures of trees can one really take? Let me answer that for you right now: a lot! My apologies in advance for those endless tree photos. I just really love trees! Ask my brother. I'm sure he doesn't miss the countless amount of times I asked to stop what we were doing so I could take yet another picture of a tree. Anyway, I should have that post coming together soon!
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Until next time, have a great weekend!
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Jessie xxooJessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113456124145983896noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254498886802261167.post-77123079314269377532014-03-18T07:45:00.000-07:002014-05-06T18:37:14.181-07:00Portland 02/28/14 | Day in Seattle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCuWUgImct5i1YYHR1xEu1zoMF7DNPV7g6JiUtppCM1lS52e5k7coW2nadoeQck5UtAan1hKJqkyjgUcCXjdiOghKCp40sfTaIq57ZnXX715Gw97UpMgQjF228xLQ-dFErHueg7ARvHSW9/s1600/IMG_4218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCuWUgImct5i1YYHR1xEu1zoMF7DNPV7g6JiUtppCM1lS52e5k7coW2nadoeQck5UtAan1hKJqkyjgUcCXjdiOghKCp40sfTaIq57ZnXX715Gw97UpMgQjF228xLQ-dFErHueg7ARvHSW9/s1600/IMG_4218.JPG" /></a></div>
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Because we were in such close proximity, I was absolutely set on getting us in on a day trip to Seattle! Plus, as an early birthday gift to my brother, I wanted to take him to the <a href="http://www.empmuseum.org/" target="_blank">EMP Museum</a> so he could check out the Jimi Hendrix Exhibit as well as various other things that interest him. But we later found out that there were also segments of the museum dedicated to sci-fi/horror and one for fantasy as well. I was pretty excited after hearing that.
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The day was off to a rocky start. We left as scheduled, but our schedule soon got derailed when I got pulled over for speeding shortly after getting into Washington! I was going a speed I normally never go, but in the rental, the ride was so smooth, I kept speeding without even realizing and constantly had to check my speed. Lesson learned the hard way, unfortunately. After that we stopped for a less than mediocre breakfast at the closest stop (which happened to be a Denny's) and I got a free meal for having some kind of label cooked into my potatoes. Silver lining maybe? I was obviously pretty melancholy after that, but as soon as we saw Seattle's beautiful cityscape, I was recharged!
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We hit the sci-fi section first and it was a bit of a letdown for me. There were some interactive bits, but usually when there are interactive bits in museums, it means children, and it means children who don't want to share. Basically we came in after a very bratty girl who kind of irritated me the entire time we were walking around, and I ended up passing up on a few things just to get away from her, but what can you really do? On top of that, some of the displays seemed rather pointless (a copy of Battle Angel Alita sitting in a pile of gears? Was that really necessary at all?), and pretty underwhelming. There were a few points of interest, but basically, unless you love standing around reading walls of text, there was not really much too the sci-fi section, unfortunately.
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The Lego exhibit was pretty interesting. I've never really been interested in Legos, even as a kid, but the tallest buildings in the world in Lego form were enough to impress me! Though apparently not impressive enough for me to take any good shots of them! I'm a lousy archivist/chronicler/what-have-you! But I had a lot of fun with my brother. I would always suggest traveling with someone who doesn't mind hamming it up for photos! Makes for a lot of fun shots!
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I think the Nirvana exhibit might have been my favorite. To be honest, I've never been a huge Nirvana fan, not for lack of enjoying their music, but I wasn't really exposed to them much until later on, long after Kurt Cobain had passed and the fervor for their music had died down considerably. I think they're excellent, and the exhibit had some really great interviews and displays that actually moved me. I don't often connect with musicians, just music, but after reading some of the information, I couldn't help but feel connected to the iconic band.
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The fantasy exhibit was also a bit of a let down for me. It had a few interesting displays, and felt like I was in Disneyland for a minute, but other than that, there wasn't much to it! I did like the dragon though.
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After leaving the museum we spent the rest of the day wandering around a few streets, trying to use up the time in my expensive parking spot, then traveling to the University District to find a record shop (which apparently did not impress my brother) and finally meeting up with an old internet friend for the first time! Overall, my brother and I felt like Seattle was too much like Los Angeles in the structure and atmosphere, and while it had beautiful spots, mostly we just wanted to get out of there and get back to Portland. Granted, we both agreed we really didn't have enough time to really take in the city. My judgment is reserved until I can return one day!
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<sup>Footnote:I'm hoping my photos will improve during the trip's progress. These shots were a bit disappointing, but I think I got more used to the camera as the days passed! I'm also hoping to figure out how to better organize my posts so they aren't so very long. I don't really like using read more, but if I can't cut down on the photos I want to use per post!</sup>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113456124145983896noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254498886802261167.post-38978393267455860332014-03-14T17:59:00.002-07:002014-05-06T18:36:58.704-07:00Portland 02/27/14I've been back in Los Angeles for 3 days and I'm still recuperating from Portland. My sister suggests it's age, but I've never been good at spending a lot of time out and about. I've always needed down time to follow. It's part of being introverted (which I plan on covering in my comic about the trip)! We were walking and exploring for nearly 12 days straight, with only one day where we actually spent some time relaxing in our room. I'm finally feeling <i>awake</i> while I'm awake, and not feeling like I'm about to pass out by five in the afternoon!
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I'll be posting about my trip by the day, to help me better organize everything that went on and not get facts mixed up, as I tend to do often. I know most people like to start things off with a bang, but apparently all I could manage was a fizzle. The first day of our trip I didn't use my camera once. I was too busy trying to get my bearings and adjust, too busy LOOKING at things to really SEE what I was looking at, if that makes any sense! Luckily for myself (and bloggers around the world) instagram exists! I was able to track some of our day with pictures from my phone! So, without further ado:
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We spent the first day just exploring downtown Portland, enjoying the architecture, stopping in some shops, consuming a large quantity of warm beverages, etc. It was a fun day, though somewhat uneventful, but it really gave us a chance to understand the city. Our expectations were immediately met, and they were exceeded on a daily basis! We were so stoked to be there and fell in love with the city almost instantly!
I was traveling with my brother the entire trip, so you might want to get used to this handsome face:
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You'll be seeing a lot of him!
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If you're interested in seeing some more peeks at the trip via instagram:
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<a href="http://instagram.com/jessadilla" target="_blank">jessadilla</a> -my instagram account
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<a href="http://instagram.com/endless_revisions" target="_blank">endless_revisions</a> -my brother's instagram account
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Until next time!
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Jessie xxooJessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113456124145983896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254498886802261167.post-13816433439323068582014-03-01T19:49:00.000-08:002014-03-01T19:49:04.665-08:00Portland, BTW<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1k3yUHCpIWKNE9Y-i3LXYC1p6jKkEGFaQlSlD1zUvqva7dh9QrJlOC03SM1SVnR2OyIfmM3HqW24ScalRMfsICB1gDQjg3btywqjNuKwxVrHv7taqdqJajj9ALOf3QgYTz1A6XGcdA4d/s1600/portlandupdate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1k3yUHCpIWKNE9Y-i3LXYC1p6jKkEGFaQlSlD1zUvqva7dh9QrJlOC03SM1SVnR2OyIfmM3HqW24ScalRMfsICB1gDQjg3btywqjNuKwxVrHv7taqdqJajj9ALOf3QgYTz1A6XGcdA4d/s640/portlandupdate.jpg" /></a></div>
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Hey all! So I basically left for my Portland trip without so much as a peep on here! I had a farewell post planned, with this completed image in mind, but that just didn't happen. I ran out of time so fast, I never knew what hit me! This image is an incomplete preview of what will likely be the cover to my collection of autobio travelogue comics about our trip to Portland!
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My brother and I are completely enamoured with the area so far! It's been cold and rainy, but it didn't really seem to matter as we walked around downtown and stumbled into different districts! We also traveled to Seattle for a short trip, and while it was a beautiful city, it was a little too much like home for us to really appreciate. However, I'll admit we hardly had enough time to walk around and take it in. Perhaps another time!
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I'll definitely have some photo posts from the trip later on, and maybe even a photo an hour post, and an outfit post if I can get my brother to have some patience and photograph me! Hope life is treating you all well! You'll hear from me soon!Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113456124145983896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254498886802261167.post-72796870633579571362014-02-21T10:13:00.001-08:002014-02-21T10:13:27.557-08:00Photo an Hour: Wednesday Feb 19th, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>8AM:</b> I had wanted to sleep in some more after staying out with coworkers after work, but internal alarm clocks don't give a damn!<br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26Zj8H0XcprxMHnNX38c6yBBZTaCPFwYM1PxN4bOCb_qaYdTh_Hmocvk1jzr_zMSHxv4iGAHwT8zqpnuFDnKiN06dgz4caRZZEiLCrmkSq25lEIivCU2FVS85rYfN0Hq_TvGf4im6MIZk/s1600/8am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26Zj8H0XcprxMHnNX38c6yBBZTaCPFwYM1PxN4bOCb_qaYdTh_Hmocvk1jzr_zMSHxv4iGAHwT8zqpnuFDnKiN06dgz4caRZZEiLCrmkSq25lEIivCU2FVS85rYfN0Hq_TvGf4im6MIZk/s640/8am.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>9AM:</b> It's someone's breakfast time.<br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Lr9qPaaMlgz96XyJmkMyHYWerKTDJTxdp9PlPFa7_tFmMrKtWc-IOru3IeI3W_TbEuaxOG_Ms5HKQf9PC6cBA_PH2ruhT83u5l25nqRJs9ZhHKe4tddz6mgITm_vYq5dsrVIqDM0tAij/s1600/9am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Lr9qPaaMlgz96XyJmkMyHYWerKTDJTxdp9PlPFa7_tFmMrKtWc-IOru3IeI3W_TbEuaxOG_Ms5HKQf9PC6cBA_PH2ruhT83u5l25nqRJs9ZhHKe4tddz6mgITm_vYq5dsrVIqDM0tAij/s640/9am.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>10AM:</b> Working on a blog post...<br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYHSoE0jDat8Y4tvrmRsSLmnV8Sgo8X7yhRBwse3hTI0rGTkkWzXOmLSOU18wEtEC2wpYMC1lWgisdSF_keF74TY2V8g2Ti2dP8EygGL5IBsunSuhMzu2ApavTAMOeO9xbGZ3-HQzp9eT/s1600/10am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYHSoE0jDat8Y4tvrmRsSLmnV8Sgo8X7yhRBwse3hTI0rGTkkWzXOmLSOU18wEtEC2wpYMC1lWgisdSF_keF74TY2V8g2Ti2dP8EygGL5IBsunSuhMzu2ApavTAMOeO9xbGZ3-HQzp9eT/s640/10am.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>11AM:</b> Actually remembered to water my plants! I know that small one looks droopy, but it's growing some new buds! I just need to read up on how to properly prune it so it doesn't look like a zombie plant.<br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_39jfSpuOQwrlC0kV1fazlYzKLUycsnN0ThReHLlyhvY_RcWKafcHOCipEpMcmbLvzpy6s3fX94rbVt0KyVrVTGa8MVhldUni3FB02I06GvP86gV4XPmxnYJnCF0WuMYb9yW6drKD7LPI/s1600/11am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_39jfSpuOQwrlC0kV1fazlYzKLUycsnN0ThReHLlyhvY_RcWKafcHOCipEpMcmbLvzpy6s3fX94rbVt0KyVrVTGa8MVhldUni3FB02I06GvP86gV4XPmxnYJnCF0WuMYb9yW6drKD7LPI/s640/11am.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>12PM:</b> Finally leaving the house for the day...<br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTHcg6uy2_flxvfOV7ZR2ZusfKaBswoZLngTpeFDIcYAkgogm6kN5-UvZmG-VstcHO_g8pt8_mBVUDKiPHjd4dJHG_kT1rbS9-1uWvKTBNQ3mylhrfaadBVgChpkxtTrqsO-ad0K7qUbm/s1600/12pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTHcg6uy2_flxvfOV7ZR2ZusfKaBswoZLngTpeFDIcYAkgogm6kN5-UvZmG-VstcHO_g8pt8_mBVUDKiPHjd4dJHG_kT1rbS9-1uWvKTBNQ3mylhrfaadBVgChpkxtTrqsO-ad0K7qUbm/s640/12pm.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>1PM:</b> Trying on outfits at Forever 21 (Bleh!). I went in for some sweaters for my trip and was not disappointed!<br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkx-J1SScYlLqSVErXuy-_NiRb9_5l1NkFkOtgdeoWPMy2iU5jJNXl-TOcOz1MosM022C3UNbPJIe4e6P6LXy3mvr3ycHdANwRiC42BGlbnF7V4iZmrfvQxWNB-pXtsbWuZgWEOigRchW/s1600/1pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkx-J1SScYlLqSVErXuy-_NiRb9_5l1NkFkOtgdeoWPMy2iU5jJNXl-TOcOz1MosM022C3UNbPJIe4e6P6LXy3mvr3ycHdANwRiC42BGlbnF7V4iZmrfvQxWNB-pXtsbWuZgWEOigRchW/s640/1pm.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>2PM:</b> Still shopping at the Galleria...<br><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJV143fNkkg/UweOlwv_6KI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/s7xs8TDYOb4/s1600/2pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJV143fNkkg/UweOlwv_6KI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/s7xs8TDYOb4/s640/2pm.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>3PM:</b> Stopped at Barnes&Noble to find a book about Portland so I could look up some interesting hiking spots while we're there, but they only had Oregon specific books. Will have to wait till I'm in Portland to find a book I guess!<br><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-31enGka2x6g/UweOl7w8hvI/AAAAAAAAA1M/2luLO2mWHgI/s1600/3pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-31enGka2x6g/UweOl7w8hvI/AAAAAAAAA1M/2luLO2mWHgI/s640/3pm.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>4PM:</b> As soon as I got home and sat down to take off my shoes, this guy was on my lap!<br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylau5dWci5hdLt17amb4KV5kiOP0hsrB0pHmStNAxB_LnMiei1IqutS2LfbGvtfYLReZlHEch_NMlc2kqE18mKT0Lnt56sECY6ft2DaNYJAc5JJmenLYvwWPMMV7ug8AI1_NAwwyOgntA/s1600/4pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylau5dWci5hdLt17amb4KV5kiOP0hsrB0pHmStNAxB_LnMiei1IqutS2LfbGvtfYLReZlHEch_NMlc2kqE18mKT0Lnt56sECY6ft2DaNYJAc5JJmenLYvwWPMMV7ug8AI1_NAwwyOgntA/s640/4pm.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>5PM:</b> No big deal, just an authentic home-made Mexican dinner!<br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPtJvhO0VjuBFgCigQ-kaVt-WF2viVRApWFKkqDT8xO_XGuJvL_XPp-MLQh8Tyn6hzD7RUscHJNHhub9KHcpScp94eEjTBIwgoismku8-xXbxUV-VO07dpBvdtMvJqj4uLzDCmlaEwjjM/s1600/5pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPtJvhO0VjuBFgCigQ-kaVt-WF2viVRApWFKkqDT8xO_XGuJvL_XPp-MLQh8Tyn6hzD7RUscHJNHhub9KHcpScp94eEjTBIwgoismku8-xXbxUV-VO07dpBvdtMvJqj4uLzDCmlaEwjjM/s640/5pm.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>6PM:</b> Writing a list of information for my trip next week!<br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SMkWmzJnDZJYT9Wd9XjX2ew0VJb5zZU0aP2PVs0nszPlESwizt2a7TaNv8CwUmoYx_Ig6ZLIhYX0ew4KA-rJFRhdA_QTpOzFqXay0w3lcP6iCnnfx7gzbFY5HNUjv_RzD-JuzO34j1EN/s1600/6pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SMkWmzJnDZJYT9Wd9XjX2ew0VJb5zZU0aP2PVs0nszPlESwizt2a7TaNv8CwUmoYx_Ig6ZLIhYX0ew4KA-rJFRhdA_QTpOzFqXay0w3lcP6iCnnfx7gzbFY5HNUjv_RzD-JuzO34j1EN/s640/6pm.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>7PM:</b> Finally installing the monoprice tablet I got for Xmas...<br><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L2mgNuTWTiE/UweOnzxXWuI/AAAAAAAAA1w/b62UG6MWtdg/s1600/7pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L2mgNuTWTiE/UweOnzxXWuI/AAAAAAAAA1w/b62UG6MWtdg/s640/7pm.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>8PM:</b> Watching some "Frasier" with my dad.<br><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8eFmy3fxI9c/UweUyliUKaI/AAAAAAAAA18/U93jodxxz3A/s1600/8pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8eFmy3fxI9c/UweUyliUKaI/AAAAAAAAA18/U93jodxxz3A/s1600/8pm.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>9PM:</b> Ending the night with milk and cookies and video games. <sup>(Another round of Dragon Age: Origins)</sup><br><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X2hF8SL7B0Y/UweU_EI2B4I/AAAAAAAAA2I/FIpzDedJmt4/s1600/9pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X2hF8SL7B0Y/UweU_EI2B4I/AAAAAAAAA2I/FIpzDedJmt4/s640/9pm.jpg" /></a></div>
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I was really excited for this post. Not really for the content, it's just a typical day off of mine, but because I used it as a learning tool for my camera functions and it really paid off. I understand things so much better now. All the things my boyfriend taught me while I was being a total grump got through to me! I'm sure he'll be relieved to hear that. I have obviously not mastered photography, but I'm really pleased with what I did learn. I think I'll try to do a couple of these while I'm in Portland! I'm not really sure of my post schedule while I'm up there, because I won't have time to put together competent photo posts, and I won't have my tablet to post art either. We'll see! I'm sure I'll be able to think of something! Anyway, happy Friday all! Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113456124145983896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254498886802261167.post-36824492073604453682014-02-19T12:16:00.000-08:002014-02-19T12:16:54.862-08:00Wednesday Wishlist: Camera Gear EditionI'm not sure if I want to keep Wednesday Wishlist on as a permanent installment, but I do think it's a great tool for me to organize things I want/need in categories! It might be helpful later on if I need to go back and find links to specific things I want.
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1. <a href="http://www.jototes.com/collections/all/products/rose-black" target="_blank">Jo Totes: Rose Black</a> // 2. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004XOM3/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=147IKIJDXFQDJ&coliid=I2HGW2SR6SS156" target="_blank">Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens</a> // 3. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007N83VQM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=147IKIJDXFQDJ&coliid=IIOQQXW6DRJQ0" target="_blank">PLR Optics 58MM Close-Up Macro Filter Set</a> // 4. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000N7VPRW/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A13BNE3P7C8THK" target="_blank">Manfrotto 190XPROB 3-Section Aluminum Pro Tripod</a> // 5. <a href="http://www.jototes.com/collections/all/products/gracie-butterscotch" target="_Blank">Jo Totes: Gracie Butterscotch</a> // 6. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0081EC08M/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AL7LHK6Q9LVTS" target="_blank">Neewer Shutter Release Timer Remote Control</a> // 7. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/168216457/smoke-gray-canvas-camera-bag-outdoor" target="_blank">Smoke Gray Canvas Camera Bag</a> // 8. <a href="http://www.jototes.com/collections/all/products/missy-mint" target="_blank">Jo Totes: Missy Mint</a> // 9. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/130591935/green-handmade-leather-totecamera" target="_blank">Green Handmade Leather Camera Bag</a> // 10. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vello-FreeWave-Wireless-Shutter-Connection/dp/B005648AY8/ref=sr_1_18?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1392829869&sr=1-18&keywords=wireless+remote+canon" target="_blank">Vello FreeWave Wireless Remote Shutter Release</a> // 11. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vello-Wireless-ShutterBoss-Remote-Connection/dp/B005GMVGGE/ref=sr_1_12?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1392829869&sr=1-12&keywords=wireless+remote+canon" target="_blank">Vello Wireless ShutterBoss Timer Remote</a> // 12. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/153996791/holidays-gift-polka-dot-camera-strap" target="_blank">Polka Dot Camera Strap</a> // 13. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/167218545/handcrafted-dslr-camera-strap-cotton" target="_Blank">Folk Style Camera Strap</a> // 14. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/RW-221-Wireless-Shutter-Remote-Control/dp/B00FU34H8S/ref=sr_1_21?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1392829869&sr=1-21&keywords=wireless+remote+canon" target="_blank">Oppilas Wireless Shutter Release Remote</a>
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I've only recently gotten a DSLR and I still don't really know much about it. I've learned the basic functions for taking decent pictures, but I'm still finding new features everyday. I still feel like I'm just borrowing it from my boyfriend because there's nothing personalized about it. However, I need to wait until my vacation is over to really buy anything for it. I'm dying for a cute strap and a bag! I've been wrapping my camera and lenses up in bubble wrap and putting it in my backpack, which makes me so nervous because who knows what could happen when things aren't properly secured. So far I've been careful and lucky, but I'm really hoping to get a camera bag soon. I'm leaning towards functional, durable and practical, but I need one that also serves as a purse, and I'm a girl with a mom purse. Need a *insert anything under the sun here*? Well I have it in my purse! So I need a bag that serves as a purse to carry my numerous items as well as secures my camera safely!
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I honestly would have bought the shutter release or remote already, but I'm at a total loss! I don't know which would be better for me at this point. Kaylah from <a href="http://thedaintysquid.com" target="_Blank">The Dainty Squid</a> recommended the Neewer shutter release, and her photos are top notch, but I'm not really sure I have the skill or knowledge at the moment to pull off compotent self-portraits with a wired shutter release. However I've also read a lot of reviews about wireless remotes that don't work well at distances or need to be pointed directly at the camera to work well. Once I get around more, I'd love taking pictures from a distance, so I'm not sure that would be ideal for me.
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<b><i>If you're a blogger or photographer that takes a lot of self portraits/outfit pictures, or is just really handy with a shutter release/remote, please feel free to offer any feedback you have with your own tools! I'd love as many opinions as possible before I spend the money. I'd really like to avoid spending it on an item that isn't right for me!</i></b>
Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113456124145983896noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254498886802261167.post-19560357653620440532014-02-14T10:26:00.000-08:002014-02-14T10:26:02.294-08:00Outfit: Valentine Peach<center>Happy Valentine's Day everyone!</center>
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The absolute best part of Valentine's Day for me is that a lot of fashion with hearts pops up! I love heart prints! I don't remember how far back my interest goes, but I remember being about 18 and getting my first decent cell phone (the original Razr!) and my first case for it was a black case with rainbow hearts all over it and I loved it to death. After that whenever I'd see heart prints, I'd snatch it up if I could, even if I didn't like the color much.
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<center><u>Outfit Details</u>
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<b>Sweater:</b> Target // <b>Skirt/Tights:</b> <a href="http://asos.com" target="_blank">Asos</a> // <b>Boots:</b> Steve Madden //
<Br> <b>Anatomical Heart Necklace:</b> <a href="http://www.wickedclothes.com/" target="_blank">Wicked Clothes</a> // <b>Earrings:</b> Forever21
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That's kind of what happened here. I hadn't wanted to spend money on something to wear for Valentine's Day, especially when I didn't have "real" plans with my boyfriend (we're broke and a fancy evening is out of the question). But then my mother emailed me saying she had the day off, and I basically forced her into being my Valentine! At first it just started with plans to eat a lot of ice cream while we watched our jilted lovers crime shows, but of course, I had to go and make everything complicated and planned an entire day for us.
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I had to put the outfit together fast! I don't own a lot of red or pink. Red because I'm not sure I like it on me, and pink, while I love it, I can never seem to find anything pink that also suits my style as well. As I was shopping at Target for tons of candy, I saw this sweater, with its heart prints and couldn't get it out of my mind (even though peach has never been my color). I went back on 3 trips before finally deciding to grab it for myself. I had originally planned more red in the outfit with some shoes, but I didn't quite like the way it looked.
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Anyway, since my last outfit post, my boyfriend has helped me figure out the camera a bit. The lighting is way off, but that was just my fault on timing. I'm slowly getting the hang of things though. Hopefully improvement is noticeable! I still have a lot to learn, but I'm really excited about the process!
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Have a great Valentine's Day, whether you're staying at home cuddling up with a book or a sappy movie marathon, or going out with someone you love! Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113456124145983896noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254498886802261167.post-22162349200974743192014-02-13T22:40:00.001-08:002014-02-13T22:40:06.219-08:00Valentine CardsHello all! It might be a bit late to post these, (and if you follow my art tumblr, you might have already seen these) but I made some Valentines that include my favorite things: pastels, puns, and junk food! These were pretty fun to make, though I'm not 100% happy with my font choices or my placement of text (CURSE TYPOGRAPHY!) but if I make anything similar in the future, I'll take what I learned from this little experiment! Anyway, they were just for fun, but feel free to use them if you so wish! I hope you all have a lovely Valentine's Day!
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<sub>For those of you who like a bit more NSFW things, I'm also working on some Valentines that fall under that category and will be posted over at my <a href="http://jessadilla.tumblr.com" target="_blank">art tumblr</a>. They're kind of autobio in a sense but mostly just fun and naughty!</sub>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113456124145983896noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254498886802261167.post-87903624785270867252014-02-09T13:48:00.001-08:002014-02-09T13:48:43.116-08:00Gloomy Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5DUOOD-376k/UvfXMx4hOVI/AAAAAAAAAw8/7j73e8gcIBI/s1600/Photo+on+2-9-14+at+11.18+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5DUOOD-376k/UvfXMx4hOVI/AAAAAAAAAw8/7j73e8gcIBI/s640/Photo+on+2-9-14+at+11.18+AM.jpg" /></a></div>
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So it's almost noon on another gloomy Sunday in Los Angeles. I'm still in bed, in my cat pajama onesie, trying to think if I can turn this day into something more interesting. I have about 3 hours to do so, because after that I go to my part-time waitressing job. I've been sipping on my tea, trying to get my energy up after a bit of a hectic double shift yesterday. Instead I let my cat sit on my chest, meaning I won't get up again until he does.
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I'm pretty tired. After getting home a little after 1am from my job, I still had trouble getting to sleep. My internal alarm is set for 9am, so if I don't get to bed by 2, I'm out of luck for a good night's rest usually. I had planned a post today, but now I'm not so sure I have the energy to put it together. Blogging is hard!
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I realized it would be before I started this little venture. Some of my favorite bloggers either blog full time, or work for themselves, so they have time to set their own schedule. Therefore they have the opportunity to make their blogs a part of their permanent schedules. My schedule is at the mercy of my job and it hasn't been easy for me to figure out how to fit blogging in between my other obligations. A lot of bloggers leave helpful tips on how to make blogs interesting, but I haven't come across anyone who remarks on how to make time for blogging. Blogging seems to be a hobby or interest that requires a lot of devotion and/or passion. I have the passion, but I need to find a way to devote and prioritize. I have a boyfriend who I don't live with, I have art projects, and commissions that require a large chunk of time.
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I'm sure blogging is a thing that needs time to ease into (though I've seen a few other new bloggers that seem to have gotten a better hang of it than I have!) so I'm hoping my difficulties in timing and dedication will melt away the longer that I'm at this. I have no intentions of giving up, especially not so soon in the game! I just felt a need to muse about the issue. I've always been better at tackling issues once I've gotten them off my chest, rather than leaving them to fester in my mind until I push myself down too far.
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I'm beginning to schedule my posts in a planner, but even those get a bit sidetracked at times due to picking up extra shifts, or spending unscheduled days out! For those of you that blog on the side, have you found a routine to manage your time better? Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113456124145983896noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254498886802261167.post-7694372869556200922014-02-06T13:15:00.000-08:002014-02-09T01:18:30.527-08:00Liebster Award!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eq2jdoh2rDo/UvPnBGbLtcI/AAAAAAAAAwc/4zSJv2i5Ao4/s1600/liebsteraward.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eq2jdoh2rDo/UvPnBGbLtcI/AAAAAAAAAwc/4zSJv2i5Ao4/s400/liebsteraward.png" /></a></div>
Hello all, I hope your Thursday is going good so far! Recently I was given a Liebster Award by Gwen from <a href="http://ageekandheroven.com" target="_blank">A Geek and Her Oven</a>!
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<b>What is a Liebster Award?</b>
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<blockquote>"Well, it is only an AWESOME award given to up and coming bloggers. Given by other up and coming bloggers. It's a cool way to find other blogs and feel like you are getting into the blogging stratosphere. It is simple, you get nominated by someone else, mention their page and a link to their blog in your Liebster Award Post, answer the 11 questions they give you, then tag 11 other nominees and give them a new set of 11 questions to answer."</blockquote>
<center><h2>Questions:</h2></center>
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<b>1. What's your favorite book?</b>
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<i>I'm pretty sure I can say without a doubt <u>The Blue Sword</u> by Robin Mckinley! It's a YA fantasy book that I read in high school, and the vivid imagery and loveable characters have stayed with me ever since! I've always enjoyed a good fantasy novel with a main character that is female! Another really great YA fantasy with such a character is <u>Sabriel</u>, by Garth Nix. That book is practically perfect in every way. So I guess it's a tie!</i>
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<b>2. What is one piece of clothing that you can't live without?</b>
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<i>I think, despite it being one of the least attractive articles of clothing I own, I have an oversized dark blue post office employee sweater given to me by my dad, via my aunt (who is a post office employee). It's tattered and faded and flimsy looking, but it keeps me warm in all kinds of weather!</i>
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<b>3. Where would you go for you dream vacation?</b>
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<i>These questions don't get easy do they? I have so many spots in mind for lovely vacations! I think my top choice would have to be Japan though. Even for the food and the architecture alone! It would be a shock to be in such a different culture, but I think I'd love it. It's definitely the ultimate vacation destination for me.</i>
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<b>4. Who would play you in a film about your life?</b>
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<i>I honestly have a hard time thinking of a Latina actress with features anywhere close to mine. This one is pretty impossible for me to answer, as the actresses I know with similar figures are all white. If you want to throw out a suggestion go for it!</i>
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<b>5. If you could, where would you take a time traveling machine to?</b>
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<i>Don't you mean <u>when</u>? I'm not sure. I guess I'd go to my younger self (early 20s?) and try to jumpstart my love for myself at an earlier age. I'm a late bloomer and I know a good chunk of that is due to my insecurities growing up. It would have been nice to know then what I know now! I think if I had felt more comfortable back then, I would have done a lot more with my life by now.</i>
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<b>6. What is one movie you can watch over and over and never get tired of?</b>
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<i>Okay it depends on my mood. I have a few movies that fall under this category. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Lost in Translation, Julie and Julia, Amelie and Disney's Tarzan. They all connect with a certain part of me, and they're all movies I need to watch at least once a year (but usually more often!).</i>
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<b>7. Who is your current celebrity crush?</b>
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<i>I'm pretty sure Christina Hendricks takes up this role for now and forever.</i>
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<b>8. Do you collect anything?</b>
<i>Books, art supplies, comics, mugs. I know art supplies are weird to collect. I use them as well, but I definitely have a ton more than I currently need. But I think my main collection is mugs. Whenever I go on a trip, that's usually my souvenir of choice.</i>
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<b>9. What is one of your goals for 2014?</b>
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<i>Well if you're curious about this one, my blog post <a href="http://jessadilla.blogspot.com/2014/01/30-before-30.html" target="_blank">30 before 30</a> covers this subject in great detail!</i>
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<b>10. Name a TV show that you really liked that got canceled too soon or no longer airs.</b>
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<i>ALL the shows I liked? Life, Eli Stone, Firefly, Pushing Daisies...to name a few!</i>
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<b>11. If you could be on the set of a movie or tv show for a day, which would you go to?</b>
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<i>I think Sleepy Hollow seems like a fun set to be on!</i>
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Unfortunately, I don't follow a lot of new blogs, so I don't have anyone to nominate that I haven't found through being nominated by another blogger. If you'd like to suggest some new blogs, I'm always open to reading blogs by some cuties! See ya'll later!Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113456124145983896noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254498886802261167.post-85750140720259149222014-02-05T19:16:00.000-08:002014-02-05T19:16:34.372-08:00Wednesday Wishlist: Rainy Day EditionI've been bleaching and dying my hair all day long, so I thought it was a perfect time to try out a new blog theme! Ever since I booked my trip to Portland, Oregon, I've been looking all over at different cozy things to wear in gloomy and rainy weather. I love rainy gray weather no matter the season, but living in California most of my life has made it nearly pointless to stock up on rainy weather gear. If the trip goes well, I'll be heading to Portland permanently later in the year! For now I'll just dream up cozy rainy day outfits.
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<b>1. <a href="http://us.asos.com/ASOS-Wool-Mix-Wide-Cable-Scarf/10xm07/?iid=2993701&mporgp=L0FTT1MvQVNPUy1Xb29sLU1peC1XaWRlLUNhYmxlLVNjYXJmL1Byb2Qv&WT.ac=rec_viewed" target="_blank">Wool Mix Wide Cable Scarf</a></b>
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<p><i>I love thick fluffy scarves, and I seem to be going through a neon yellow/lime phase, so this scarf is right up my alley and would be perfect to protect me from the breeze on rainy days.</i></p>
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<b>2. <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/pullovers-sweaters/roars-and-stripes-sweater" target="_blank">Roars and Stripes Sweater</a></b>
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<p><i>You don't know this about me yet, but once I start putting more outfits up, you'll realize that I LOVE tigers. I was SO THRILLED when this tiger fashion trend popped up! I basically bought all things tiger and haven't stopped since! This tiger looks really warm and so cute!</i></p>
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<b>3. <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/pants/better-shake-up-pants-in-plus-size" target="_blank">Better Shake Up Pants</a></b>
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<p><i>I'm not a huge fan of pants in general. I have to wear them a lot for work and it's a pain because we all know there is rarely a "perfect" pair of pants that will just sit exactly where you want them to without you having to pull on the waist all the time! It's even worse when it's cold outside and lower waisted pants leave your lower back cold whenever you move the wrong way! I think these high-waisted pants would solve that issue. They also look stretchy so comfort wouldn't be a problem either!</i></p>
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<b>4. <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/totes-backpacks/landmarks-that-i-love-backpack" target="_blank">Landmarks that I Love Backpack</a></b>
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<p><i>I don't know about you, but for me, rainy weather is backpack weather! I like sporting a backpack in lieu of a purse every now and then. I don't like taking purses where they may get dirty or scuffed, so a backpack is great for less than perfect weather, and this one from Modcloth is so cute and a great color!</i></p>
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<b>5. <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/blouses/watercolor-workshop-top" target="_blank">Watercolor Workshop Top</a></b>
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<p><i>I've been lusting after this top for so long! I'm only worried it won't fit, which is why I haven't snatch it up yet. I love stripes and I love the cut of the shirt itself. The colors also seem a perfect fit for gloomy weather.</i></p>
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<b>6. <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/shoes-boots/rain-rain-grow-away-boot" target="_blank">Rain, Rain Grow Away</a></b>
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<p><i>My confession is that I've never been a big fan of the classic rain boot. I remember having a pair in elementary school, and not understanding the concept of having to switch out while indoors. I was stuck in those clunky things throughout the day and still managed to get my socks wet! Granted I was (am) a clumsy kid, and probably splashed in too many deep puddles! These shoes are definitely more up my alley. I love the pattern and the slight transparency. And these seem to take away the necessity to switch out boots when they're functional as regular boots!</i></p>
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<b>7. <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/umbrellas/i-heart-umbrellas" target="_Blank">I Heart Umbrellas</a></b>
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<p><i>Can't go out in the rainy day without your cute umbrella! I think one of my favorite patterns is hearts so I loved this umbrella as soon as I saw them. Plus a transparent umbrella has always been preferred because it doesn't put a dark shadow over you while you're out like other material might.</i></p>
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<b>8. <a href="http://us.asos.com/ASOS-Convertor-Gloves/10yru2/?iid=3031994&SearchQuery=convertor%20gloves&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Black&mporgp=L0FTT1MvQVNPUy1Db252ZXJ0b3ItR2xvdmVzL1Byb2Qv" target="_Blank">Black Convertor Gloves</a></b>
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<p><i>Converter gloves are nice because they warm my hands, but I can still get around without the limiting thickness of fingers when I need to.</i></p>
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<b>9. <a href="http://us.asos.com/ASOS-cat-face-beanie/12cnud/?iid=3818066&mporgp=L0FTT1MvQVNPUy1jYXQtZmFjZS1iZWFuaWUvUHJvZC8.&WT.ac=rec_viewed" target="_Blank">Cat Face Beanie</a></b>
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<p><i>I think this one is pretty self-explanatory, but a hat with a cat on it? I'm sold!</i></p>
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Last but not least: <b><a href="http://us.asos.com/ASOS-Parka-With-Zip-Details/11nw8z/?iid=3037606&cid=13561&Rf-300=1946&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Grey&mporgp=L0FTT1MvQVNPUy1QYXJrYS1XaXRoLVppcC1EZXRhaWxzL1Byb2Qv" target="_blank">Parka with Zip Details</a></b>
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<p><i>No warm outfit is complete without a coat. This parka from ASOS is unbelievably cool! I love all the geometry of it! So many lines and angles! Plus I'm a sucker for buckles (useless or otherwise). This would be great for a rainy day or any day really. I love it so much!!</i></p>
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Hopefully I'll get the hang of setting up posts ahead of time and juggling work. I'd like to try and set up posts for updates that are earlier in the day. Have a lovely evening!Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113456124145983896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254498886802261167.post-16255075099986137232014-02-02T07:47:00.000-08:002014-02-13T22:42:38.466-08:00Kung Hei Fat Choy!: Los Angeles Golden Dragon Parade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTbsZ16BOepw3Niu22KtOYy6raUFNp6m68mLfaGUrTqQwY5bhpvoVSgu3gpNu8JaH8d46vz6wR9Wqoq-dIoazKkpFsEjbxw_OS8zX7qHmLdakBaPMlMg3D0BL_igjOLpMb53CQ7lKeQi-/s1600/confetti01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTbsZ16BOepw3Niu22KtOYy6raUFNp6m68mLfaGUrTqQwY5bhpvoVSgu3gpNu8JaH8d46vz6wR9Wqoq-dIoazKkpFsEjbxw_OS8zX7qHmLdakBaPMlMg3D0BL_igjOLpMb53CQ7lKeQi-/s640/confetti01.jpg" /></a></div>
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Yesterday my boyfriend and I headed out to Chinatown for the Los Angeles Golden Dragon Parade to check out the festivities of the Lunar New Year. I want to take in as many LA specific activities this year before I move out of the city, and he's lived in LA all his life, Chinatown was one of his major hangouts, and he had never been to a New Year celebration! It was really noisy and colorful! Not a second went by without hearing bang-snaps or poppers going off! </div>
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I have to admit, I really enjoyed the confetti flying everywhere, even if it always seemed to find its way into my shirt! After walking around for a while, we found an empty spot to park it and watch the parade go by. </div>
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The parade was a colorful feast for the eyes (aside from the Wal-Mart truck that drove through *coughtackycough*) and we had a good time over all. I'd definitely be interested in doing something similar next year, if I'm not in the city. Hopefully by that time, I'll have learned a thing or two about photo composition. ;)
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Happy Lunar New Year to all! I hope you all have a lovely day, and an excellent year of the Horse!</div>
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<center><sup>All photos of me were taken by boyfriend, Boun Prasert</sup></center>
Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113456124145983896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254498886802261167.post-24061073018158206732014-01-30T14:32:00.000-08:002014-01-30T14:35:50.039-08:00Outfit: Red Bermuda<center><img src="http://jessadilla.com/blogger/posts/013014hairup.jpg" title="Hair Up"></center>
<center><b>Tee-Shirt:</b> <a href="http://https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaidenVoyageClothing" target="_blank">Maiden Voyage Clothing</a> c/o <a href="http://modcloth.com" target="_blank">Modcloth</a>| <b>Skirt/tights:</b> Target
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<img src="http://jessadilla.com/blogger/posts/013014shoes.jpg" title="My Favorite Boots!">
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<b>Boots:</b> Steve Madden
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<img src="http://jessadilla.com/blogger/posts/013014blurrycloseup.jpg" title="blurry close up!">
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<img src="http://jessadilla.com/blogger/posts/013014ring.jpg" title="Tiger Ring, a gift!">
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<u>Have an outtake with my cat: </u><br /></center>
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First real outfit post! Forgive the out of focus awkward shots. I have no space in my home, and am learning to use a new camera. If you know about any tutorials for how to take nice fashion photos, send em my way! I'm sure it's a definite learning process. I'll start traveling around my neighborhood looking for some good places to take some shots. I have a temporary cheap tripod though, so I'm kind of scared to take it too far as it's super flimsy. I tripped on it today and already bent one of the legs. Luckily it still works!<br />
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I actually just received this t-shirt in the mail hours before taking these shots, but I couldn't wait to wear it! Maiden Voyage has such delightful, comfortable tees. This is my second one by them, and probably not my last. I wanted a new shirt for my trip to Portland next month, and this felt just right!<br />
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In conclusion, have some more pictures of my cat, Mr. Card!<br />
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<img src="http://jessadilla.com/blogger/posts/preciousbabbu.jpg" title="such a cutie!">
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<img src="http://jessadilla.com/blogger/posts/catbebothered.jpg" title="So over being photographed!"></center>
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He'll probably be a regular on this blog, so get used to his irritated glares and disinterested stares into the distance. After all, what kind of blogger would I be without posting excessive shots of my pet?
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<br />Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113456124145983896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254498886802261167.post-20112936728953582862014-01-25T10:39:00.000-08:002014-01-26T16:29:01.908-08:0030 before 30<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ds0KnyTehFk/UuOTVhkbqjI/AAAAAAAAAp8/CBIp3X1AVTk/s1600/3030banner.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ds0KnyTehFk/UuOTVhkbqjI/AAAAAAAAAp8/CBIp3X1AVTk/s1600/3030banner.gif" /></a></div>
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So, if you checked out my about page (or know me otherwise), you'll know I turn 30 in September of this year. 30 is a big number for a lot of people, myself included. I think it's considered the first step into "old" territory. I've heard 30 is the new 25, but maybe it always was and I was just too young to really realize that. Who knows?! I just hope it's true!<br />
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I'm a late bloomer, though. I didn't really start coming into who I was until I was about 23 years old and started learning a lot more about myself. And I haven't really felt self-actualized until within the past couple of years. So there is still a lot on my plate as far as wanting to accomplish before the scary age of 30! Rather than make new years resolutions this year, I made a list of 30 things, large and small, to accomplish over the next nine months that I hope will help make me feel more at peace with the big THREE-OH. I've put it under a read more, because a 30 point list is rather long, especially with descriptions. Whenever I achieve any of these points I will make a post about it!<br />
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<b>1. Get septum pierced </b><br />
<i>I've been wanting a septum piercing since my mid 20s. I've waited so long because I wasn't 100% sure I wanted it, or if it was just a phase. I don't think phases last this long, and while I feel odd getting one at almost 30, I still feel like it's something I need to do! (Sorry mom!)</i><br />
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<b>2. Read 18 books </b><br />
<i>18 books? That's nothing! Right? Well compared to my whopping ZERO books last year, I think this is actually one of the more difficult goals to achieve for me. I'm already starting off slow on this one, and have only made it about 30 pages into a graphic travelogue(basically, a comic)! </i><br />
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<b>3. Learn to surf </b><br />
<i>My boyfriend is a surfer, I have dabbled once or twice and sort of tried, but haven't really given it my all. I have no excuse not to do this when I can get my lessons for free!</i><br />
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<b>4. Thrift more, find good used items instead of spending on new, cheaply made ones </b><br />
<i>This one is about learning to budget better, and not shop so compulsively. Thrifting is a lot of work. I rarely find anything worth buying off the rack, but I am determined to find SOMETHING cute and worthwhile this year! I follow so many bloggers that thrift, and am always so in awe of their finds. Of course I live in an area where thrifting is likely popular, so everything probably gets snatched up before I ever get to them!</i><br />
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<b>5. Put out at least 2 short form comics </b><br />
<i>This one might be the most important to me. I started a comic when I was 20 years old, and it lasted for 4 or 5 years before it got too difficult for me to fit into my life. I have several ideas for short form comics (including a memoir style one) that I need to get a move on. Making comics is a real passion of mine, and completing this goal would mean the world to me!</i><br />
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<b>6. Take at least one road trip</b><br />
<i>I have not been on an honest-to-goodness road trip in my entire adult life, and I find that to be a real shame! I love road trips and the idea of road trips, and it really steams me that I have been putting it off for this long. Every year I plan one, and every year the plan falls through! Not this year, no way!</i><br />
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<b>7. Move out on my own (hopefully to Portland, OR) </b><br />
<i>I lived on my own for only 4 or 5 years before I had to move back in with my parents due to some serious financial hardships. I'm still trying to come back from those hardships, and still living with my father because of that. I really need my own space, and I really need to get out of Los Angeles even more! This year needs to be the year that I do it! I have my eyes on Portland, and if my trip next month goes well, all road-signs point to Portland as my destination for residence!</i><br />
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<b>8. Really push my art career forward</b><br />
<i>It's hard to imagine you're good enough and that people will pay you for your work when you follow so many artists that are so much better than you and that you admire dearly who are barely making ends meet! It's a feeling that's held me back from ever really trying to push my work forward as a larger source of income, and I think that was pretty harmful to do to myself. I could have been so much further along now if I hadn't let my fears control my actions. But no more of that nonsense. I just want to make art jobs a more significant part of my income. </i><br />
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<b>9. Craft/DIY more</b><br />
<i>Why spend $800 on a turquoise dresser when I can just buy an old one for $100 and a can of paint and paint it the exact color I want? I've only recently come to this conclusion after having to get rid of most of my furniture, and realizing I didn't miss any of it because none of it felt personalized to me! I also want to do some crafting involving my artwork! I also have a bike that needs a make-over.</i><br />
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<b>10. Become a better photographer</b><br />
<i>I've been loving photography for years, but never really had decent equipment to get the kind of shots I wanted. I've tried and tried, feeling that if you want a good photo all you have to do is have an eye for a good shot. That's partially true, but if that wonderfully composed shot is blurry because your camera stinks, a good shot that ain't! My boyfriend is a photographer, and gave me an older camera of his that is still way better than any camera I've owned, and has offered to teach me how to use it. Whatever he can't teach me, I bought a highly-reviewed book to teach me the rest!</i><br />
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<b>11. Re-learn to code for sites</b><br />
<i>Okay, let me be honest, I was never a stellar coder. I knew probably enough to make a decent site, but I think I was in the intermediate stages. However all that unraveled when I dated a web developer and she did everything for me! So I'm pretty much back to knowing the very basics. I don't know if I'll ever really understand coding on a advanced level, but I'd definitely like to get back into that intermediate level at the very least!</i><br />
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<b>12. Start/make a zine</b><br />
<i>This one is pretty self-explanatory. I already have a few ideas in mind, so I hope I can pull at least one off!</i><br />
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<b>13. Treat my body better/be more active </b><br />
<i>I actually started this a couple of years ago when I moved to LA, but last year in summer, it was so hot, I fell off the wagon because I never wanted to be outside in the gross summer heat! And then Christmas came around and well lets just not talk about that! But the point is I'd like to get back to doing activities regularly. It's hard as an artist, getting out often, when it takes so much work to do art, you want to huddle in front of your medium of choice all day, but it's really important to me and my health to achieve this one!</i><br />
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<b>14. Do more water color paintings</b><br />
<i>I love to water color. It's definitely one of my favorite mediums, but the work involved in getting to the point where I actually get to sit down and paint has always thrown me off. No longer! I really miss it so I need to get back to it!</i><br />
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<b>15. Organize my computer files. (Music/art/etc)</b><br />
<i>This one is kind of silly, and I don't know about you, but life feels hectic when my computer isn't organized! I do so much of my work on my computer, having everything saved around willy-nilly just isn't cutting it anymore. I've had this laptop for over a year now and things seem to be piling up! </i><br />
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<b>16. Make one sketch book that I’m proud of! </b><br />
<i>This one is going to be very difficult. My sketches are usually practice. To create an entire sketchbook with sketches and works that I actually really feel pride in is going to be incredibly difficult for me to achieve! But I see so many lovely sketch books out there, there has to be at least one from me!</i><br />
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<b>17. Fill all my current unfinished sketchbooks </b><br />
<i>Self-explanatory. I think I currently have about 5 sketchbooks that are either partially completed, or completely empty. I should be able to fill in 5 in nine months if I keep working hard and practicing!</i><br />
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<b>18. Go to Disneyland </b><br />
<i>This one is weird, because...I don't like Disneyland. I don't like amusement parks in general because I detest crowded areas. I hate being anywhere where people are going to have to crowd around me in any way. This is more about pushing myself out of my comfort zone, and also seeing a place I had visited in my childhood with fresh eyes. This is especially important if I leave CA, because getting to Disneyland won't be as easy as it is now.</i><br />
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<b>19. Figure out a plot, and start my epic comic</b><br />
<i>I can't be sure if this comic is considered an epic. I know what epic means, but it seems like a heavy word for a comic? Especially a comic by me! Either way, I have been sitting on an idea for a long form comic for around 5 years now and I've been having such problems with a solid plot that I've been putting it off forever and ever. I think my planning skills need to take a back seat when it comes to this comic, and I just need to dive in and hopefully the rest will figure itself out!</i><br />
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<b>20. Travel to at least 2 new places</b><br />
<i>Well, I'll be in Portland, Oregon in about a month, so that much will be taken care of, but hopefully I can mark this off my list with another state before my birthday hits!</i><br />
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<b>21. Get 4 new tattoos</b><br />
<i>I got 3 new ones last year, I felt like I needed to up the ante. I know what I want to get, it's just a matter of getting the funds together!</i><br />
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<b>22. Get a passport </b><br />
<i>I have no excuse not to. How will I ever leave the country on a whim if I don't get this one out of the way? (Okay so technically I need money too, but that's not the point!)</i><br />
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<b>23. Edge out of my comfort zone </b><br />
<i>This one is very general and ambiguous, but I'm going to leave it at that, because my comfort zone is so small and so varied that a lot of things can classify as breaking out of my comfort zone. I think it's crucial to my growth to at least attempt this one whole-heartedly.</i><br />
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<b>24. Retry the 365 photo project </b><br />
<i>The last time I tried this I was an unemployed shut-in. It did not offer much in the way of creativity. I was also in one of my serious depression episodes so I eventually lost all energy and enthusiasm to continue participation. I got over 100 days in though. This time I need to see it through to the end!</i><br />
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<b>25. Leave more comments on bloggers and artists I really love. </b><br />
<i>I've already started this one! I haven't really felt like a part of any community or gained many friends since <a href="http://livejournal.com/" target="_blank">Livejournal</a> jumped shark (is that an actual expression?). I've kind of become a bit reclusive on the internet, but have also suffered a lack of connection because of it. This year I want to come out of my shell again and try and make more friends and connections via the internet (and otherwise!)</i><br />
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<b>26. Find my green thumb</b><br />
<i>I love plants and I love being surrounded by flowers and succulents. But I am a plant murderer. I kill them so easily as if I didn't pay good money for them! No longer! I refuse to lose another plant due to negligence or ignorance! I will become a great plant mama!</i><br />
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<b>27. Go on 3 camping trips. </b><br />
<i>Last year my boyfriend and I went on one and a half (we left early due to being miserable) trips. They were so expensive we vowed to go on a destination trip instead next time. However, I really enjoy camping, so I want to try and take a few shorter trips instead of 1 or 2 long ones. (Even though it gets so tempting to stay in nature once I'm there!)</i><br />
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<b>28. Get a second cat so Mr. Card has a friend.</b><br />
<i>Mr. Card is my cat. He's going to be 8 in April. He doesn't really like people besides me, but he has always enjoyed having other cats around (except the cat that belonged to my ex). I've wanted a second cat for almost as long as I've had only 1 cat, but I've never been in a situation where it was logical for me to get one. But I think Mr. Card could use a playmate again, and I'm hoping to get into a living situation that will allow for that to happen.</i><br />
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<b>29. Cook&bake more from scratch </b><br />
<i>I started this last year actually, but I finally started enjoying cooking. I used to hate it because I didn't have the attention span. It was always seen as a chore rather than an activity to enjoy. I've completely change my view on it after making a few successful dishes toward the end of last year! Christmas also got my spark ignited for baking, so I want to do more of that and spend less money on eating out!</i><br />
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<b>30. Complete all of the video games I currently own. </b><br />
<i>I don't know if I've mentioned it anywhere on this blog, but I love games. I have an Xbox 360 and a ton of games that I haven't even played. I have a ton more that need completion. This goal is kind of bogus, as it has no real merit for this list, but I think I'll feel better about getting them all out of the way, and have fun doing so in the process. (Okay, just let me have this one, I needed at least one easy thing to accomplish before I'm thirty!) </i>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113456124145983896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254498886802261167.post-72102170938031930202014-01-22T08:00:00.000-08:002014-02-13T22:43:00.796-08:00Outfit: Sick DaySo here I am, with a set date to launch this blog, and BAM, I'm hit with a cold. What's new though? I get sick often because my immune system is a hot mess. I had wanted to have some actual photos by now for posting, but being sick really takes the fun out of posing in cute outfits, so I decided to draw what I wore instead.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNrqdDoyi1at0olC65o_kDxaZataxiwkEq98SIel_oH3DKSd1QAPQsNbOog8to4YZUMT3Uh2YO6dV4fpYl6CparFN2PGlzDoMe9yDCK1AKeAumDpcrJ7iLgj77K1RTrwCuJOilpti4EuC/s1600/01212014ootd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNrqdDoyi1at0olC65o_kDxaZataxiwkEq98SIel_oH3DKSd1QAPQsNbOog8to4YZUMT3Uh2YO6dV4fpYl6CparFN2PGlzDoMe9yDCK1AKeAumDpcrJ7iLgj77K1RTrwCuJOilpti4EuC/s1600/01212014ootd.jpg" title="Not pictured: millions of tissues and my sleeping cat" /></a></div>
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The only thing that might be noteworthy about the outfit would be the leggings that I got from H&M last season. But it was still fun to draw and do something somewhat productive while I'm resting in bed. Luckily my cold didn't upset my plans too much, but hopefully I'll be able to get out of the house tomorrow for the first time in a few days!Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113456124145983896noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7254498886802261167.post-69000395225426738932014-01-20T23:49:00.000-08:002014-02-13T22:43:09.954-08:00Introductions<center>
<img alt="Hello GIF" src="http://jessadilla.com/blogger/posts/hello.gif" title="Sorry, I'm SHY!" /></center>
Hello! My name is Jessie, and welcome to my blog!
I've been wanting to make a blog for almost five years now. I've tried a few times in the past, but they didn't work out for various reasons. But now I'm feeling more determined to successfully post and document my life.
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In the past couple of years I've really grown and stepped out of my shell and realized I haven't really documented much of anything at all. I'm more comfortable and self-actualized than I have been in years, and I have no real record of how I got to this point in my life! I thought it was a real shame.
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I could have started this blog earlier. I put it off again and again. "No one will care." "No one will want to read that." "I don't know what I'm doing." "I'm not good enough at this/that." I was finally led to the realization that <i>I care</i>, and <i>I will want to come back and read this at some point, and see the progress I've made</i>. Maybe I will never know what I'm doing, but I have to do it anyway, otherwise I'll never figure anything out! And I'll <i>never</i> be good enough at anything, but I view that as a positive thing now. Not being good enough means I'm still able to improve upon myself and my work and push my boundaries! The best part of being a creator is seeing your improvement. But to reach a point where I feel "good enough" is to reach a point where there is no more progression.
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So I've created this space to showcase bits of my art portfolio, and to showcase a bit of myself as well. I wanted a space to document all the leaps and bounds I take every day, even if they're itty bitty little ones. You'll find illustrations, fashion, comics (usually autobiographical in nature) and general lifestyle posts. I have some big plans for this blog, so stay tuned!Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14113456124145983896noreply@blogger.com2