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Grateful: A Poem

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:09:53 +0000

It's easy to be grateful for the good things in life.
But appreciation for obstacles can sometimes show us so much more.

Grateful

Be grateful for mistakes.
Mistakes are what teach lessons.

Be grateful when you are tired,  
Your hard work often means that you have made a difference.

Be grateful for unaccomplished goals.
If all were reached, what would there be to work towards?

Be grateful for shortcomings;
they provide the prospect for improvement.

Be grateful when you don't understand;
It gives you the opportunity to learn something new.

Be grateful when times are trying.
Those times make you stronger.

Be grateful for progression. And persistence.
And days, good or bad.

Be grateful for difficulties.
How you handle them, speaks volumes to your character.

~j-boo

Jinxi's Interview With Tattoo Collector & Baking Beauty Tasha Reeder

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:07:00 +0000

I was lucky enough to meet the beautiful Tasha Reeder many years ago online, and though we live thousands of miles apart, I feel like she's been a longtime friend. If you keep up on gorgeous tattooed beauties who are smart as a whip too boot, then you probably know who Tasha is too. Not only is she well-known and respected in the tattoo world, she's also a myspace legend; being one of the first people to ever sign up on the site. I mean, like, the 16,000th user (or somewhere around there). I have always loved how her pretty face pops into a missing spot on my top friends list if someone disappears, because she's just so OG in myspace-land. Tasha and JasonI have long admired Tasha's keen awareness of the industry and her careful discernment when choosing which artists will add artwork to her skin. The vivid and colorful pieces that decorate her skin fit her personality and vivaciousness so perfectly. Her collection is just FULL of outstanding art, from some of the most sought-after tattooists in the world. Ink masterpieces that are definitely to be envied and admired. Tasha is not only dedicated to tattoos, but also to her husband Jason, and to her family. She is loyal to the core and one of the smartest (and sweetest) women I know. She also cares deeply about the tattoo industry and seeing to it that positive aspects and education are constantly instilled into those she comes in contact with. It was fun talking to Tasha for this Inkerview and I hope you can catch a glimpse of her fantastic-ness in this feature, while also soaking up her magnificent ink collection. Tattoo by Sean Herman Oh, and did I mention that she is an amazing baker too? Come on now...how great does it get? How old were you when you got your first tattoo? What intrigued you about owning that first piece of ink? Well, I was 19 when I got my first tattoo, which was my chest piece. My father has a heart with my mother's name in it on one arm, and on the other he has hearts to represent my siblings and I.  I just thought that it was really awesome that my dad had done that, and how he was going to have that on him forever. So I started to think about what I really wanted, what really meant a lot to me, and checked out local artists until I found someone's work I really loved. Which I did, and I'm really proud of that first tattoo.  It's an absolute reflection of my view on life, love, and of myself. I have always worn my heart on my sleeve. And I am not afraid to let you know how I really am feeling. It's just the perfect tattoo. I love it. Tattoo by Michelle Gallo What do you do for a living and how do your co-workers feel about your tattoos? I take care of my husband of course, and help with anything he needs: his appointments, you name it. And a few days a week I work at Books A Million. I am the most tattooed person at work, but no one treats me any different. Everyone has been really great about it. Asking all sorts of questions, which I like. I've gotten very few negative looks, comments, etc. Which doesn't phase me at all when that does happen. So it's all good! Tattoo by Chris Vennekamp Can you give us a brief rundown of your amazing tattoo collection? Chest piece by Michelle Gallo. My arms by Brandon Bond, Sean Herman, Marcus Lund, and Michelle Gallo. Tattoo by Brandon Bond My face done by Short. My hand by Bryan Reynolds. Tattoo by Bryan Reynolds My knuckles by Bird. My feet my Thomas Kenney.  Tattoos by Thomas Kenney Various pieces on my legs by Jason Reeder, Sean Herman, Chris Vennekamp, Taylor Cort, Thomas Kersnowski, Dave Tedder, CJ Harper, Bryan Reynolds, Short, Bird, Marcus Lund, and Billy Toler. All of the ink you wear fits you so well. How do you go about choosing your pieces and designs? I usually have little random ideas, just like everyone else; as well as the ones that I really want, that mean something to me. Either way, I usually talk with my husband (who is a tattoo artist) and we fine tune the ideas, talk[...]

Quote From Lady Gaga About Being Unique

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:31:11 +0000

" You have to be unique, and different, and shine in your own way."  - Lady Gaga

Art by mcglory **this one's for you, Andrew Vuitton. =)

Keeping Life in Perspective: Why More is Not Always Better

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 17:18:24 +0000

While I am certainly guilty of working too-long-of days and not always stopping to smell the roses, I am trying harder all the time to keep a more constant mind set when it comes to appreciating the moments that matter in life, and focusing on things other than work and money.While I know that work is important and of course we need to earn dineros to pay for our essentials in life, when all is said and done, our accumulation of "stuff" just won't matter much at all. I came across this story recently and thought it so beautifully illustrated this exact point. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.  What Will My Reward Be? One day a fisherman was lying on a beautiful beach, with his fishing pole propped up in the sand and his solitary line cast out into the sparkling blue surf. He was enjoying the warmth of the afternoon sun and the prospect of catching a fish. About that time, a businessman came walking down the beach, trying to relieve some of the stress of his workday. He noticed the fisherman sitting on the beach and decided to find out why this fisherman was fishing instead of working harder to make a living for himself and his family. “You aren’t going to catch many fish that way,” said the businessman to the fisherman. “You should be working rather than lying on the beach!”The fisherman looked up at the businessman, smiled and replied, “And what will my reward be?” “Well, you can get bigger nets and catch more fish!” was the businessman’s answer. “And then what will my reward be?” asked the fisherman, still smiling. The businessman replied, “You will make money and you’ll be able to buy a boat, which will then result in larger catches of fish!” “And then what will my reward be?” asked the fisherman again. The businessman was beginning to get a little irritated with the fisherman’s questions. “You can buy a bigger boat, and hire some people to work for you!” he said. “And then what will my reward be?” repeated the fisherman. The businessman was getting angry. “Don’t you understand? You can build up a fleet of fishing boats, sail all over the world, and let all your employees catch fish for you!” Once again the fisherman asked, “And then what will my reward be?” The businessman was red with rage and shouted at the fisherman, “Don’t you understand that you can become so rich that you will never have to work for your living again! You can spend all the rest of your days sitting on this beach, looking at the sunset. You won’t have a care in the world!”The fisherman, still smiling, looked up and said, “And what do you think I'm doing right now?” Photo by bbjee[...]

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Through The Eyes of Camille Rose Garcia - New Book

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:33:36 +0000

As a fan of both Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Camille Rose Garcia, I was stoked to learn of the beautiful new book that she illustrated.

Herself an admirer of the 1865 Carroll classic, this fantastic Rose interpretation presents the fully unabridged tale in the eerie, gorgeous style that is all her own.

It even includes her version of the Lobster Quadrille scene, which was not illustratedly present in the original version of AAIW.

As if the upcoming Tim Burton Alice film and the Vbcf Tattwist Jinxi-Alice art wasn't exciting enough for this Wonderland fan, the CRG news is truly the cherry on top.

Check out this video of Camille talking about the project.

Twas Brillig!

Word Recognition: How Our Brain Reads Letters

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:08:42 +0000

I cdnuolt blveiee
taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg.
The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid
Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy,
it deosn’t mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are,
the olny iprmoatnt tihng is
taht the first and last ltteer be in the rghit pclae.
The rset can be a taotl mses and you can still raed it wouthit a porbelm.
This is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by
istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.
Amzanig huh?

What the above text says:
I couldn't believe
that I could actually understand what I was reading.
The phenomenal power of the human mind.
According to research at Cambridge University,
it doesn't matter in what order the letters in a word are,
the only important thing is
that the first and last letter be in the right place.
The rest can be a total mess and you can still read it without a problem.
This is because the human mind does not read every letter by
itself, but the word as a whole.
Amazing, huh?

Tahnk you for viisintg Jxnii Boo's wteisbe. I hpoe you cmoe bcak and viist otefn.

Jinxi as Alice in Wonderland & Marie Antoinette - Artwork with Love

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:09:37 +0000

Yesterday I received a most delightful package in the mail, from a most amazing woman. The incredible Vbcf Tattwist from Australia sent me pieces of artwork that mean the world to me. She created me as my favorite fictional character (Alice) blowing out love.

Click image to view larger

Complete with cupcakes, the Cheshire Cat, a pocket watch, an array of my favorite colors, and a dress to die for, I just can't quite begin to express how much this piece means to me. It was in a gallery show there in her city and according to reports was a hit! 

In addition to this beautiful piece, she also designed me as "Jinxi Antoinette." How fantastic is her creative flair, right? I mean, the detail and love put into the work astounds me. This one contains oodles of my favorite things: cupcakes, octopus, vegan love, piggie, roses, freethinker banner, cherries, hearts... it's just divine.

Click image to view larger

To see much more of Vbcf Tattwist's magnificent work, you can find her on facebook and if you are lucky enough to reside in the Land Down Under, I highly recommend looking through her tattoo portfolio and booking an appointment. I know that I would if I was there.

Nothing compares to artwork from the heart. Thank you again, dear friend. You are incredible!!


Tips to Decluttering and Simplifying Your Home and Life

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:22:27 +0000

One of our goals with the new move was to simplify our family's life. We are seeking to declutter and learn to live less materialistically. We figure that if we can eliminate the wastefulness in any form from our routine, that it will not only save us money, but will help us to concentrate more on spending quality time together.  There are no rules for how we should or shouldn't live, so each person and family should assess their own situation and not feel pressure one way or another. I have found that one of the best rewards for taking simplification steps is that I don't have to follow the crowd. Each of us have our own direction, tolerance levels and temperament when it comes to organization. So do what's best for your life and your home. In my case, as I prepared for the move, and as I have been unpacking and setting up house, I have learned a few tricks along the way; and since they are fresh on my mind at the moment, I thought I would share a few: Start today. Don't put it off. There is no time like the present, eh? When decluttering shelves/closets/areas, tackle sections at a time. Don't overwhelm yourself with too grandiose of a project. Make a goal to get through one section at a time - even one section each day (and even for just 15 minutes a day) - until you have completed it. Remember...baby steps are good. Be prepared to part with things. If you are really ready to eliminate things, have a give-away box/bag and a trash bag at your side and make split decisions. Don't fret about it. If you don't use it or honestly don't think you will have a need for it, box/bag it right there and don't look back. If there are some items that you just can't currently part with, create a mid-way (between tossing and keeping) box. Write the date on the top and then in six months, revisit it and see if you have needed to access the contents. If you didn't miss the items stored in the mid-way box, there is a good chance you can part ways at that time; but you will feel better knowing you hung onto it "just in case." Bid farewell to excess papers. I am a book and magazine lover; and while I use my computer a lot to read on, I still think that nothing can replace the feel of the written word in your hands. But accumulating too many magazines, catalogues, junk mail, papers, bills, etc. can really overwhelm your living space. Unless you really need things for tax purposes or have important documents that you must retain, try to keep only the special paper items and toss the rest. It will free up more space than you can imagine. Stay motivated. Incorporating new habits and making them stick is always challenging. Keep decluttering tasks in perspective and just do what feels right and fits into your schedule and aligns with your goals. If simplifying becomes too daunting or emotional, take a break and step back from it all. Give yourself room to adapt as you progress through each task. Soak in each of your accomplishments. Does it give you more peace of mind and help alleviate stress?  Celebrate your baby steps and enjoy your efforts! [...]

A Whirlwind of a Weekend: Updates On The Move

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:10:44 +0000

Oh my, where did the days go? It seems like forever ago that I got to sit down and write here (I know it was only three days ago when I wrote about moving, but my brain is not jiving with the calendar, it seems).

It was a whirlwind of a weekend, beginning on Friday, as I loaded up my little Kia van with load-after-load of boxes, clothes, bedding, kitchenware, and anything that I could squeeze in and still get the doors to close. The kids helped me on Friday and Saturday morning as we made continuous trips from the old house (woah, that sounds nice to say) to the new house; and then when Steve would get off of work in the evenings, we would put larger pieces of furniture in his truck and continue the routine. Steve's co-worker Jesse, helped us on Saturday night with some of the heavier items (thanks, Jesse - you rock) and then on Sunday morning, we had movers come for just three hours to get the fridge, my stationary bike, the washer & dryer, and the other heavy goods.

You all know how moving goes, so I won't go into detail about the drudgery of the lifting, lugging, carrying, and unloading. But aside from all of the toilsome work, the reward is being in this beautiful new place and completely enjoying transforming it from an empty space into our home. The size accommodates us so well and it's like our belongings were just meant to be here, the way that they all fit into place.

Last night, Steve and I spent a few hours picking the best spots to hang our artwork and BAM!, it instantly popped color and pizzazz into place, and helped us to gather the ambiance that we dig. The internet is up and running, and our kitty cat is learning his way around his new abode. The kids are enjoying setting up their new rooms and have already gone for numerous swims in the pool. And I love the new kitchen and the way that the sunshine streams in on my desk area.

I have a lot left to do and oodles of work to catch up on from my wacky weekend, but wow, it feels great to be this far. We feel so fantastic about the choice we made to move here. I see great things ahead of us and a fresh start to synch it all into place. If I appear MIA, please bear with me...my normal routine should resume again soon and my brain should be back in gear shortly after that. I sure appreciate the heartwarming support, kind comments and messages I have been receiving. I am such a lucky girl.

Happy Monday to all!


Quote From Will Rogers About Motivation

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:46:40 +0000

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