What Not

Doing research on our upcoming move, I am excited for potential day trips from our new abode (or should I say adobe?). There's a Turquoise Trail (National Scenic Byway) that runs through parts of New Mexico, off of the interstate, that is peppered with historical sites, little rustic shops, and artist colonies.

We just have to get through this week of classes, and grade. I also have to write my dissertation prospectus and defend it. I met with my delightful committee chair today, and she told me that on the day they turned in their grade for my prelim exam, the members of my committee each asked her when the prospectus defense would be. She said that everyone is really looking forward to reading my project! This is, of course, amazing for me to hear, but also incredibly daunting!

Zipper and the others are looking forward to class being out. She gives me the most extraordinary guilt trip each morning when I get ready to leave for class. She starts rubbing up against my shins, pouncing on her brother and sister, performing extreme acts of cuteness that in general are intended to keep me at home with her. Believe me, after this week, I'll start posting more photos again.

What's Next?

So I officially passed my prelims. Okay, so I "High Passed" my prelims, really. I'm excited. I have a High Pass. I have a research grant. I've only got two weeks left of class. I'm on autopilot, enduring student presentations. And I'm exhausted. Indiana winter has bled into April. It's supposed to be up to 70 today, and I'm wearing a scarf because I simply do not believe. It's also very confusing to decide what to wear when the clock radio tells you "Today's high is in the upper 60's. The current temperature is 28."

Anyway. I have a lot of hopes and dreams that are s-l-o-w-l-y taking shape. We're waiting and praying and hoping and WAITING for a letter of a job offer that will allow us to relocate someplace sunny all year round. I'm just itching to buy a tape gun and sneak into the cardboard recycling bins of retail stores to get boxes to pack everything up in. But we're just waiting to get that actual paper document. sigh.

In any case, one of the things I hope to do in the near future is this neato Rice Bag Tote Bag project (go ahead. have it open in the background. she's got great taste in streaming music.) I've also figured out a pattern for a snappy laptop cozy. I'll have to post photos. I was inspired by queenbee creations' new jet packlaptop bag that makes me drool! Since I don't have $85 to spend on a laptop bag I COVET, I made one. It turns out, I like mine better!! I just need to find something I can use for a shoulder strap. I should go cut the seat belts out of some cars at a junkyard or something! Like I said in a recent university questionaire, my academic goals are to open up an etsy shop!

All Time Favorite Band: Psapp

Another accidental discovery a couple of years ago. They were touring with Jose Gonzales and Juana Molina. I love their low-tech aesthetic. Carim and Galia collect toys that make noises (wind up, string pull, etc.). Touring across the U.S. they said they bought toys at gas stations. and incorporate them into their music. They are amazing live, with tons of musicians squeezing little stuffed cats and bears and owls and what-not. Galia is also nearly as obsessed with cats as I am. What's not to like?

Here's "About Fun" with all kinds of kittie noises incorporated. Dedicated to Mimi Jo who could have written the lyrics:

I need a slice of your pie
We don't have very long
Let's make a day that's perfect
Where nothing can go wrong

And to Mini and Zips who squeak exactly like this:




And "On Site" that's all about beauty and fragility of life.

Favorite Guy (uncategorizable musician)

How can you not love a skinny, musician who gives concerts in suits and ties and kicks off his shoes on stage before he begins?

I can't believe, among my other favorites, I haven't blogged about my great love of Andrew Bird before now. We discovered him entirely by accident when he opened for Ani DiFranco at a concert in Indianapolis years ago. He plays violin like a mandolin, like a bass, like an electric guitar (and also, well, like a violin). Oh, and he plays electric guitar too. And xylophone. And he whistles. (Yes, I am aware how odd this sounds. You'll have to trust me and check it out).

He plays back loops of his astonishing strummings and pluckings, and layers additional loops on top of that. Then sings on top of that. And whistles.

Studies & Prelims

In an attempt to calm myself down about my imminent prelims, I am trying to incorporate my studies into my "happy place" that is this blog. I've just sent my proposed exam questions on to my committee chair, and am planning on Spring Break to complete the 7 day portion of the exams. I mentioned to some of my composition students the possibility of their getting the class period before Spring Break off because I'll be doing these exams, and one of my sweet little freshmen said, "Why would you want to do that?" And I said, "because I want to be a doctor."

So here are some of my lovely books that inspire me, that don't evoke anxiety attacks when I look to my bookshelves. They're on the top shelf. The anxiety-inducing ones are just outside the photo.
Don't get me wrong. I can't wait to write. I want to finish this so that I can plan and write, instead of cramming and jotting down notes on endless post-its stuck to every surface of this room (including one on the lampshade, two on a potted plant, several on the calendar, one on an index card that I taped to my desk when I ran out of post-its, and one on the edge of this computer screen). I just have to jump through this flaming hoop for 24 hours, and then for 7 days, and come out the other side.

Back to School-- No Time to Blog

"Libraries will get you though times of no money better than money will get you through times of no libraries." - Anne Herbert


I haven't blogged in so long. It's supposed to be a balmy -14 tomorrow. The time that I am incredulous that I ever had a bounty of as much hand-raised tomato as I could carry is upon me. I am wistful. I haven't written in my blog because I try to keep it my happy place, safely seperate from my studying and teaching. I can say that I've just discovered the lovely film My Neighbor Totoro. It makes me very happy and hopeful for my next summer garden.

I have also promised to post photos of crafty projects in the off-season. I'll have to live up to that. I was kept busy over the holidays sewing tote bags, flannel kimonos, and kitty nunchuks. I have a three day weekend, so I'll have to sew some more and update this thing!

My Dream Saturday Night