Bare Necessities...

In honor of a fictional television character that I very much admire, I decided to adorn my desk with a bobblehead toy. I decided on the illegitimate son of the Jolly Green Giant, Lil' Sprout. He's green, cheerful, and waves 'hello' with an unobtrusive, welcoming smile... 

Deleter ink and Akadot

I stocked up on Deleter ink recently. I love Akadot! Prices are good and they ship fast. I ordered it Wed and it arrived Sat, and they're in CA. I splurged and also got the pen nib assortment that comes with a free nib holder, which seems the perfect size. Most are either too long or too thin. 

My good pal Andy Fish turned me on to Deleter ink and it really is the best. It's not watered down like so many of the other inks. It creates a beautiful saturated black. I like Black #1 in the purple bottle.  

Happy inking! :)

#1 baby name for boys in 2009...

Recent census data reveals that the No. 1 baby name for boys in 2009 was Obnoxio. Are you surprised? The inexplicable resurgence in popularity of this marvel comic character from years back appears to be the culprit. 

Maybe parents finally realized that naming their kids things like 'Grace,' 'Prudence,' and 'Hospitality' always just kind of backfires anyway so why not harness this phenomenon, but in reverse. 

Showstoppers

The snapdragons in my flower garden have been belting out some serious high notes lately - 

Soloists take the stage...

Crankin' a duet..

Beady-eyed

I took these photos in a bead store in Boston. I love bead stores. Not because I make or wear beaded jewelry. I can't stand jewelry - it's a tactile thing - I don't like how it feels to have nuisance-y bobbles hanging around my neck and wrist. 

What I love about bead stores is the arrangement of all the beads by type and color in their little compartments. I'm really into colors: sorting things by colors, certain color combinations. I also enjoy looking at tiny objects: beads, anything in miniature. I once received a dollhouse catalog in the mail and spent hours pouring over it, even though I had no intention of buying any of the crap to actually furnish a dollhouse. 

Film Pick...Vagabond

During a recent workshop about comics to a wonderful group of 7th graders in Marblehead, MA, one student asked the panel if there's a film we'd want to adapt into a graphic novel. I drew a blank, as I often do with questions like that (thank you Andy, Bret, and Veronica for answering!), but I've been thinking about it ever since. It's a really good question. And well, this film would top my list. 

In addition to the great story, beautiful performances, and cinematography, I'm particularly interested in one of its themes - that people are fascinated by things (in this case a person, Mona) that they find both deeply revolting and sad. Made in the mid-80's, this film by Agnes Varda stars Sandrine Bonnaire. It's about a homeless woman (Mona) who travels alone throughout the countryside during winter, and the various people that she meets as well as the impression that she leaves on them. This movie is very sad, haunting, and moving. Sandrine Bonnaire really makes this film. She's one of those people that's just fascinating to watch. 

Hi Mushroom Boy!!!

When you're just not in the mood...

My Creepy Pony

I saw these ponies at a playground recently. I love the design. They look kind of possessed and creepy, but also really cute. This combination of qualities is one that I appreciate.

Is going to the bathroom the new prom?

I have a new cleaning lady and she makes these lovely toilet paper flowers in each bathroom.  It made me laugh but I also needed clarification. Was I supposed to cut them off and wear them as a corsage before using the toilet? (because I didn't).