Blog

How To Chase Your Dreams and Reach Your Goals

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:22:06 +0000

Most days are routine. Most involve getting to our normal to-do lists. If it's a special day or we have set aside time, we find ourselves lucky enough to share extra moments with our friends and family; or venture to places that we love to go. Most routines are necessary and that's the way our world works, but what if we get to a point in life where we wish that we had made our routines different from what they entail?  Are we putting off doing things that we will someday look back on and wish we had made time for? Are we dodging projects that we know would lead to happiness? Are we chasing our dreams? At what point does it become too late to start chasing? And WHAT exactly is there to wait for, right? Having just rounded the bend on another birthday, these questions are fresh in my mind and I realize with each year (hell, with each day) that passes, that there just isn't time to wait if I really want to make things happen. I am learning how to tackle these dreams in tiny increments and I have realized that having perspective, taking baby steps, and learning to be patient with results serves me best. Here are a few tips that I am trying to employ and thought I would share, should you find yourself in the same boat of wanting to start working on a goal. Decide: Determine what matters to you most. What do you want to improve? What do you want to learn? How do you want to grow? What do you want to be proud of yourself for accomplishing when you look back on your life?  Take Time: Be willing to budget the required amount of time you need to focus on your goals. Whether it's 10 minutes a day or two hours a day, figure out just how much of your attention this is going to take. If you can't budget enough time right off the bat, take baby steps - start out small and add a little each day (or each week) until you are to the point where you are dedicating yourself to your cause (aka your goal). Remind: Remind yourself all the time how important this goal that you have set for yourself is. Remind yourself in the morning when you wake up, or when you get in the car to leave for work, or when you are feeding the dog, or any time that is consistent and will become a habit. Say It Out Loud: Tell someone (or a lot of people) what your goal is. This is hard to do, I know. Letting the cat out of the bag puts more pressure on you to really keep striving and stick with it. I know this one because I recently revealed to you all that my new big goal for my 39th year is to complete a triathlon. I had decided on the goal awhile back and had already begun training, but had waited to actually declare it out loud because I knew when I did that it made it that much more REAL. But you know what? I'm so glad I did. It keeps me focused and makes me feel like I have a great support system behind me to make it happen. Document Your Progress Make little notes to document your accomplishments.  Even if they are baby steps. Write down what you did each day and watch your progress grow and grow. Pretty soon, when you go back through your archive, you will see that your baby steps are turning into leaps and bounds. Celebrate your Accomplishments: Pat yourself on the back and be proud of each stage you get to. Don't get discouraged, keep it positive and revel in the small stuff.  Photo by nutmap Discover your dream. Start making it happen. Don't wait. Live life your way and start TODAY!  [...]

Jinxi's Interview With Tattoo Artist Matt Griffith

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:10:03 +0000

Peeking into Matt Griffith's tattoo and painting portfolio is an enchanting endeavor, because he has the ability to take cartoonish, colorful characters and weave them into a world mixed with macabre ghoulishness, without missing a beat.  Matt has a knack for taking a client's idea and transforming it into a memorable, vibrant piece; while always leaving a touch of his signature flair to remember him by. From Mario Bros characters to animal portraiture; insect/ nature themes to Einstein caricatures, Matt is well-versed in many genres of the tattoo spectrum. As owner of 2 Dollar Pistol Tattoo Shop in Chillicothe, Ohio, this busy dad and husband runs a successful business, while keeping his tattoo chair hopping and still finds time to paint with his talented wife, Abril. I have been lucky enough to be close friends with Matt for many years now and can assure you that if you are fortunate enough to collect his tattoo work, you will also be pleasantly surprised to meet one of the nicest guys around. Matt is a true gem and it was a pleasure to get to talk to this dedicated artist about several aspects of his life. Click image to view larger Have you always been interested in art? When you were a child, did you envision yourself working as an artist (or tattoo artist) when you grew up?It did start early, back in elementary school. I remember drawing cars in, like, first grade and really loving art class. It didn't really hit me until  high school that I could draw all period and not have to pay attention. With my head into the note pad, teachers always thought I was doing school work. Instead, I was drawing Mortal Kombat characters. Yet still, I didn’t think I had talent for it. I didn’t care about how good I was, I just knew it was what I wanted to do. When I got out of school and got a job, the problem was still there. I had an office job and would draw on my spare time. My boss would get so pissed because if I had time to draw I had time to do more work. Something had to change and I knew I should look into art as a career. Your use of colors in your tattoo work is so outstanding, no matter what style the piece is. What are your favorite types of pieces to work on? If someone came to you and told you that you could tattoo anything, what would it be?That’s easy; color work. I also enjoy doing old school-themed-new idea-type stuff. I really enjoy color saturation. Building up color and making the colors pop. Over the years, I’ve watched others really excel at getting their colors to jump out at you. I just keep watching them and applying their results with my own. I borrow a board or two to build my house. Every one that I do, I learn something new. Lately, I’ve been able to do some of my paintings and really enjoy the surreal gothic kind of lowbrow art that I paint. You and your wife are incredibly talented painters. Do you inspire each other when you paint? And do you think your painting reflects on your tattoo work (and vice-versa)?Yes, we do inspire each other. We learn together. When one of us figures out something, we pass it on to the other one. She taught me how to paint. Before I met her I had a few failed attempts and said, The hell with it.”  But she gave me the tools I needed to get the job done. My paintings have made me the tattooer that I am today. I learned so much from shading on canvas and that transfers onto skin. If I wouldn’t have started painting, I would be lost. Click image to view larger In addition to being an artist and business owner, you are a dad to Lucy. How do you balance your many roles so well?Well, I don’t sometimes. There are too many things going on at all times. I try to make time for everything, but sometimes one or the other gets slacked. But my father gave me a good foundation. He showed me that family is the most important thing in life and that respect is worth more than money. If I remember that, I can walk the line. Matt with daughter Lucy What are your goals for the upcoming year on [...]

50th Anniversary of Rocky and Bullwinkle Show - Video of 1st Episode

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:38:51 +0000

November 19, 1959: On this day, the Rocky and His Friends show premiered on television.

This popular cartoon featured the adventures of a talking squirrel, Rocky (Rocket J. Squirrel), and his friend Bullwinkle, a flaky moose.

The tongue-in-cheek dialogue contrasted with the simple plots in which Rocky and Bullwinkle tangled with Russian bad guys Boris Badenov and Natasha (who worked for Mr. Big). Other popular segments on the show included "Fractured Fairy Tales," "Bullwinkle's Corner," and the adventures of Sherman and Mr. Peabody (an intelligent talking dog). 

In 1961, the show was renamed The Bullwinkle Show, but the cast of characters remained the same.

Enjoy Episode 1 of Season 1, courtesy of Hulu:

Jinxi's Interview With Tattoo Artist Carlos Rojas

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:18:36 +0000

I am so excited to introduce you to a brand new project here at JinxiBoo.com for the Tattoo Corner segment of the site, called Inkerviews. Inkerviews will feature the work of tattoo artists and collectors, as well as fine artists, in a series of spotlight interviews. With the immense talent swirling around the industry these days, it was difficult to know where to begin and I have been working hard communicating with artists and writing features to highlight the artwork of those gracious enough to contribute. With an exciting lineup already in place and endless more to come, I hope you will check back often to read about these incredible people and enjoy their visually stunning talents. We begin the journey with an exceptional artist out of Orange County, California, the one-and-only Mr. Carlos Rojas.   Carlos with Lars from RancidTake a spin through the portfolio of Carlos Rojas and it won't take long before you are shaking your head, saying, "Wow, how does he DO that?" The signature black and grey portraiture style of Rojas is unmistakable and he can sling the color work with the best of them as well. His careful attention to detail and his dedication to the art falls right in line with the master he apprenticed under, Big Gus.  I was fortunate enough to get to know Carlos and his adorable wife, Dawn, many years ago when Dawn and I got to compare and admire each other's Gwen Stefani ink. While I wear just one beloved treasure revering my No Doubt-Love days, Rojas has turned his wife's leg into a Gwen-themed masterpiece, making it into a sleeve of Stefani dedication. In fact, the Gwen portrait was his very first ever attempt at a portrait and wow, did he nail it the first time out! Dawn showing Gwen her leg on stage In addition to his ink work, Carlos is an accomplished painter. Each time I visit Mike DeVries' MD Tattoo Studio, I am fortunate enough to be positioned in the direct path of Rojas' paintings that hang upon the walls there; and believe me, I have stared at them for hours and couldn't be happier getting to do so. His use of color is brilliant and he has such a powerful way of connecting the brush to canvas.  I got to talk to Carlos about his tattoo accomplishments and some exciting things he is doing in the painting world as well. How did you get started as a tattoo artist? Did you have a formal apprenticeship (if so, with who)? Were you an artist growing up? I did have a formal apprenticeship. I was getting tattooed at a really young age ( which I don’t advise), but I would bug the guy tattooing me to teach me how to tattoo, over and over again. Each time he would decline. Until one day he either gave in (or decide that I was too persistent and determined). Anyhow, he took a chance with me, and that guy’s name is Big Gus. I apprenticed for about two years, doing all the normal shop stuff, which eventually paid off.I used to draw a lot as a kid and really got into it in high school, taking basic drawing classes; which I failed (ha ha). I used to draw and recreate the stuff that was in the low rider art magazines. Your realism work is so excellent and you rock at both color and black & grey work. Which do you prefer to tattoo (if given the choice)?(ha ha) Thanks, you’re too kind. I guess it all depends on the piece, really. Some things I think look better in color and others in black and grey.I’m a lot more comfortable with black and grey, just because when I learned how to tattoo that is primarily the type of artist I wanted to become. But then again, if I feel I can pull it off in color, I’ll shoot for that. I like a challenge. Click to view larger You are such an incredible painter as well. Do you feel like your painting benefits your tattoo work (and vice-versa)?I do, in a way. I feel I’ve gained a bit more confidence in my work, with both painting and tattooing. I like color blends, value, etc. I’ll catch myself thinking, “This would make for an awesome pa[...]

All About Tofurky: The Vegan Alternative for Thanksgiving Dinner

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:02:21 +0000

If you plan to eat vegan on Thanksgiving next Thursday, be sure to consider Tofurky as your main course. Our family LOVES these little beauties and enjoy them not just for Thanksgiving dinner, but as a special "any day" meal whenever we can splurge.  Tofurky is made by Turtle Island Foods, a family-owned and operated company in Hood River, Oregon, that has been making nutritious and delicious veg food for nearly 30 years. Their products are made with organic soybeans and/or organic tofu and they contain no MSG, artificial ingredients or preservatives. They state: "We use organic soybeans and organic tofu as a soy protein base for all our products. All our products are formulated to promote the health and vitality of both the consumer and the planet’s ecosystems. We make everything in small batches using only the finest ingredients and go the extra mile to maintain the taste and integrity of our products. Our products are vegan, kosher, packaged in recycled paperboard and cholesterol free." Seth Tibbott invented Tofurky many years ago because he was tired of eating just potatoes and yams each year at holiday meals. He became a vegetarian in 1974, after reading a book by Frances Moore Lappe called, "Diet For a Small Planet," and was startled at the idea of how much grain (15 pounds) was required to feed the livestock that produced just one pound of beef.  Tibbott was a teacher in Oregon until the Ronald Reagan era, when the outdoor-education program he was involved in was phased out by the Reagan regime. After years of preparing tempah, he decided to focus more on this business and set out to produce and market it full-time. While strapped for cash while first starting the venture, he built a tree house (complete with running water and a stove) in 1984, paying just $25 a week to the tree owner, and lived in it while the company got established, until 1992. Initially, the products were sold via mail order and in specialty stores in the Northwest, but as word spread and more vegetarians and vegans realized that they could be included in the full-course dining experience at special meals too, it wasn't long before Tofurky was a hit. Last year, over 300,000 Tofurky Roasts were sold, compared to just 500 when the Roast product was introduced in 1995. While it takes 4.87 pounds of grain to produce one pound of turkey meat, it requires only .47 pounds of grain to produce one pound of Tofurky. Pounds of grain saved by Tofurky Roast eaters last year (2008) = 1,781,216 Average lifespan of a turkey in the wild: 10 years or more Average lifespan of a commercial turkey: 6 months Tofurky Roasts must be thawed like a traditional turkey. Thaw frozen Tofurky Roast in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours prior to cooking. 1 stuffed Tofurky Roast Quarter and Peel 3-4 Potatoes Cut 3-4 carrots into slices Chop 1 onion *if you prefer additional veggies, get creative and use your favorites to cook alongside the Tofurky* Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. When your Tofurky is thawed and ready for preparation, remove the plastic casing using scissors.  Remove roast from plastic casing.  Place roast in a tightly covered baking/casserole dish (or wrap with aluminum foil) with your veggies. Cook for 3 hours and 15 minutes at 300° F. At this time, open and baste, then cook for 10 more minutes, uncovered. Enjoy! Photo by Jake of 8bitjoystick.com  [...]

Playing in Pasadena: The Yes Men, City Hall & Finding Jesus (don't worry, it's not what you think)

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:15:56 +0000

The family and I had such a great time on Sunday. We headed down to Pasadena to catch a showing of the film The Yes Men Fix The World, at the Laemmle Playhouse Theatre. Man, oh man ... if you haven't seen this new brilliant endeavor from the Yes Men, you must try to find it. Ever the pranksters, Andy and Mike take on big corporations and unapologetic capitalists. This time they step up their game, as Mike poses as a spokesperson for the Dow Chemical Company on live BBC television in one segment. In another, the duo introduce the "SurvivaBall" at a Catastrophic Loss Conference, where they tell everyone that all they need to do is inflate the suit to escape the effects of global warming. They expose greed in New Orleans and people who profited from the disaster and so much more. Here's the trailer for the film: After the film, as the credits began to roll, a spokesperson for the Yes Men stood up to thank all of the viewers in the theatre for attending and to see if anyone had any questions.  As soon as he began to talk, Steve and I looked at each other and said, "Is that Jesus?" It was indeed the J-Man, also known as Troy Conrad, our friend and comedian who does a hilarious stand-up act dressed as ... yep, you guessed it, Jesus.  Here is The Comedy Jesus Show facebook page. He has a CJS (Not Directed by Mel Gibson) DVD out now too. Troy's newest endeavor is angrytownhall.com a brilliant satire about the misconceptions of socialism.  Check it out. So funny! Next, we headed to My Vegan Restaurant in Pasadena for a delicious lunch. We sure wish there were more eateries like this in our area.  Los Angeles has so many fantastic places for vegans to eat, so we always enjoy trying new spots out when we are down that way.  Before heading home, we spent awhile exploring the gorgeous grounds of Pasadena's City Hall. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building is beautifully designed, with a large dome at the west entrance that is quite a majestic entrance for visitors. We took photos and had fun searching hallways and enjoying the character and style of the intriguing construction. It was such a fun day. I love days spent with my family. They are so much fun to laugh with, learn with, and be with. I am such a lucky girl! **More Photos From Our Adventure Below**[...]

Georgia O'Keeffe Quote on Speaking With Art As Words

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:25:35 +0000

"I have found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way - things I had no words for." - Georgia O'Keeffe

White Trumpet Flower by Georgia O'Keeffe

Jinxi Birthday Video: Sharing My Goals as I Get Older

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:25:42 +0000

Today is my big 3-9.

Oh yes, it is cupcake and candle day. Hooray!

Year #38 was so much fun and I am quite excited to get started on a new one at a new age.

I thought I would do something a little different today and made a video to share some of my goals for the upcoming year.

Yes, I am a talker... so if you want to skip ahead, here are some of the topics I hit along the way:

• .50 seconds - Shout-outs to very important people (that includes YOU!)
• 2:05 - Goals related to my writing
• 3:11 - Family Love/My Amazing Kiddos
• 4:00 - Mr. Steve
• 4:50 - Veganism
• 5:33 - Hiking
• 6:27 - Minimalism
• 7:46 - The Big Goal. The Doozie. The one I have been waiting to share
• 9:55 - My feelings about getting older

Thanks for watching. Thanks for reading. Thanks for your support!

Over & Out, 39 year-old Jinxi

Don't Look for Life in the Image of Life: Follow Your Own Path

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:30:40 +0000

Art by BenHeineHave you ever noticed how societal stimuli around us seems to have a common goal? Magazines, television commercials, and online advertisements prompt us to buy more. Acquire the status symbols that they tell you are commendable and your life will be better. Look like the image they portray as perfect and you will feel superior. Live in the pretty house and decorate it the way that they show you is best and you will be content.
 
As appealing as the glitz and excitement of these images seem, the objects and possessions behind the promises really aren't all that they are cracked up to be. You don't change on the inside if you amass more gadgets. You don't matter more if you step in line to the fashion mandates. You aren't more successful if you live in a ritzy neighborhood or own an expensive car.
 
Advertising to the masses and "selling the image" is easy. It's easy to mask what really matters behind products and a similitude of imitation. Don't fall for it though. Don't let the corporate propaganda suck you in.

Make your own rules. Find your own fashion. Paint your own picture of success (and not the monetary kind).  

 

• Be opulent in happiness.
• Prosperous in love.
• Wealthy in knowledge.

 

Time ticks by too quickly to be preoccupied with "keeping up" with everyone else. Enjoy moments by finding contentedness within yourself. Share that serenity with those around you.

Follow your own path and never look back. Don't look for life in the image of life.

Quote From Buddha on Taking Time For Yourself

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:20:11 +0000

"You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection." - Buddha

Artwork by Mikeinel

So take care of yourself today.

Take time to:

• breathe
• relax
• think
• laugh
• dream
• do something that will make YOU feel happy!

Enjoy! 

Comments (0) - Read and Add your own Comments