The period just before I rise and just before I sleep are the pillars of my worldly existence...seriously-all of me that is pure and true, natural and nuts is free during this limited frame of time. I'm sitting here in Joe's tee, Jordan's old shorts and my own impending ash and I am here to deliver the gospel for 2008. That's right, just what I said, "The gospel for 2008". I'm sure my committee members have propped up off their glutes and reached for their respective vices as they lay in wait of this diatribe. The gospel came to me in bits and pieces during the midst of a revelation at 4:17 this morning. Winks.



Disclaimer: This is not a religious doctrine you are about to read and is not intended to offend anyone. Further, if you are offended please feel free to peruse any number of the other blogs Blogger has to offer instead of e-mailing me your thoughts as honestly, I don't care to hear them-this is my blog, my small part of the 'interwebs' to use as I see fit and funny. Thanks.



So this morning, my kitten Anju comes to my side of the bed and utters something in Cat as he does most mornings. Kittens are essentially kids that give you less hassle and don't wear designer duds. So, me being the uber-attachment-parenting-guru-mom veteran that I am, rise, pop open a can of putrid fish parts, divvy it up in the two kittens' bowls and retreat back to my warm bed with large furry spouse. I'm not sure how much time passed before Anju returned and this time I swear, in my mind I had this conversation, "Fucking cat! You know what, I'm just going to bury my head in the crevice of Joe's back, avoid eye contact (they see very well in the dark) and pretend not to hear him...I'm sick of this shit and why doesn't anyone else ever get up in the middle of the night and see what the hell these cats want...I know I'm not the only one that hears this shit." Again, in the uncertainty of semi-consciousness I cannot tell you how much time lapsed before Anju returned. This time I swing the 2 quilts back (I'm anemic.) and stomp (keyword: stomp-it will become integral as the parable moves on) to the foyer, summon Anju as I glance over to the still existing putrid fish parts, I snatch him up from the floor. Still stomping, and partially awake I make my way through the laundry room and to the garage when suddenly I step...pardon stomp-amidst the icy concrete in something soft and about 97.6 degrees. (Why that number? Well, it is an estimate of my body temp at this stage of rest). Simultaneously, half clad teenager arises from his room (bare nipples are prohibited unless nursing infant is attached) and says in a rote tone, "You smelled it too?" It was at that moment that I did smell it and break from my semi-conscious state upon the realization that I am: a) holding a shitty pawed kitten and: b) standing in his not mustardy, soft, yellow shit! After I let out a series of expletives that I totally wish I could remember because I'm sure they were blog-worthy, I commenced to drag my shitty (but soft, you so gotta try Pro-Foot Heel Rescue cream) foot across the frigid concrete and look helplessly for something, anything other than my good towels or table linens to clean this shit off my foot. I continue to smudge; stench ever increasing, and finally I make my way, stepping lightly, to my closet where I grab a torn (albeit super soft that I had no plans of parting with) towel, Joe's tee and Jordan's old shorts. I then retreat to the garage, stare at the shit for a bit and devise a plan. I look over my shoulder and catch-sitting atop the craft bins, a brand new compass sealed in shiny plastic and a hard cardboard backing. In the mind of a creative genius (or just plain crazy person) this transforms to the ultimate shit scooping device. I grab the uncovered litter box, scoop-with my ingenious tool some fresh litter from the top and in Cold Stone Creamery fashion begin to work the litter into the wretched kitten shit until I have gotten it to a scoop-able consistency. I then dump it into the cat box take the entire cat box to the trash bin, dump it, retreat to the kids' bathroom (smile) clean out the offensive box then to the garage to bleach and scrub the cold concrete and finally, to the kids bath again for the Silkwood shower finale.



Where is the parable you ask? It lies in the fact that all of this could have been avoided if I'd just stopped to listen. Every inhabitant of this planet has a message and as the most massive destructive force yes, Homo-sapiens Destroyers of the Universe- Said inwardly, in the He-Man Masters of The Universe narrator dude's voice.-tend to ignore the simplest, messages. Day after day I see and hear crying infants and toddlers who are not being tended to or written off as just spoiled, folks are euthanizing and otherwise neglectfully abandoning pets for "misbehaving"...I watch as food is wasted, thrown in the trash, dismissed as "fat" or "I don't like white/dark meat", etc. These creatures are/were part of this universe too. He too, my shitty little Anju, had a mission, a purpose, a message. As a sensitive person I tend to feel messages with a highly tuned fork if you will. This was a refresher course for me. I'm totally pissed with Anju for overeating to the point where he would shit on the floor, and he shall be dealt with for his gluttony, but I've also been reminded that the little furry guys speak too and it isn't that we cannot understand, but choose to ignore. Before I wrap this up with something totally hysterical I'll give you part one of my admonishment for 2008. Ready? Ok-Clears throat in head and rubs hands together in preparation. "Slow down, listen, think, feel. Then, think again and finally... react". You got it? Okay, good.

Now, for the finale. Cat owners reading this know hell hath no fury greater than the odor of kitten shit. So, for me, for 2008; even if it is just once, I want you to trade your present pox with the following: When someone cuts you in line, cuts you off on the road, takes your parking space, steps on your toe, your boss gets on your last good nerve-whatever it is I want you to say this, "Go step in (feel free to substitute eat, you smell like et al.) hot kitten shit" I know that cat shit rolls more freely with its mono-syllabicism (I totally made that word up-but it works), but there is no greater peril to be bestowed upon man than the funk of kitten shit, particularly at 4:00 am while barefoot and semi-conscious. So, do it for me, I'm certain you'll be glad you did!


Epilogue: (e-pi-log, not, e-pee-luh-goo)
I'm terrible about blogging, truly I am. Namely, because there is so much going on in my daily operations (I took that from Will.I.Am...it's a line from his re-mix of Mas Que Nada with Sergio Mendes, I love that song) that anything which isn't totally necessary and even some things that are, get pushed to the bottom of my "To do:" list which is ironically the very top of my "To do Another Time List". I am going to take baby steps, however. This year to rid my mind of these frivolous rantings, I shall make the world a better place through blogging. I will commit myself to blogging a minimum of once per week. If you are out there reading, drop a comment to motivate me, send me an e-mail (see disclaimer) call me if you know the number. Winks. This is not a New year's resolution-I don't believ in them, but rather a daunting task that must alas be executed.

Epilogue Part Deux: ( I told you, I'm all about it in the wee hours)
And lastly, (the coffee is kicking in now) tell someone you love them and throw them an air kiss if you aren't in close proximity. I don't mean your regular host of people who already know you love them, "Honey bunches of oats with almonds!" (Don't ask) I mean, someone you probably haven't told in forever or someone to whom you've said it to never. My girlfriend Roxanne-totally off subject in one of our e-mail correspondences- slipped in an "I luv you Meka. Muah" It totally made my day. You never know when someone has stepped in hot kitten shit at 4:00am...surely they could use a message of love and hope. Have a peaceful New Year! I love you, mwah!

Goes back for a second cup of coffee and tries to map out the rest of the day.

Long day today...up at 5:00ish for the Emasculating of Anju! All went surprisingly well considering how inexpensive the Humane Society Spay/Neuter & Wellness Center services are. I was expecting a mob upon our arrival our worse some hidden costs-but nope, it was a pretty seamless process. Anju is looking great and back to frolicking about, he's on some pain medication, but doesn't seem any less lucid as a result. If I could just get him on a food that doesn't make him sick-he'd be the perfect little guy. I remember being fond of our other pets, but there is something special about Anju. He just may be my favorite...Don't tell Beau and Biju.

We're closing in on Christmas, although I'm done with my shopping and the selling/shipping rush, it just seems as though you're never quite done prepping for Christmas. It is almost like a wedding; all of the hoopla and headache for one day! I begin the office tomorrow-it is my present to Joe. Our home office is one part studio, home of next dimension music and a high school classroom, not to mention the spot where all of my product photos and descriptions are posted to my Etsy catalog, Indiepublic page and Flickr. It is looking kinda worn and multi-functional. I imagine that to be a stressor on his creative juices, so I'm going to transform- through a series of small additions and substitutions, a space more befitting. Oh joy!

I am back damn it! Grateful as ever that I was able to swim the proverbial tide this holiday season with my budding business venture, but weary from the trip. I am on a virtual Etsy vacation. I'm listing, I'm creating, I'm shipping-but I am limiting fora participation until the new year. It certainly has been a blast and I've built some special relationships along with establishing my business-but as they say familiarity breeds contempt. I'm going to step aside, retreat and recharge. In a week, a mere week away from the fora I have mastered two incredible designs and a total kick ass macro! This is the Ella necklace, it is one of my most recent designs and one I am quite fond of. It is currently for sale in my Etsy shop:

Photography is not my strong suit. I'm all about the stylizing, I can dress the hell out of my product but, what my grey matter and the good folks at Kodak see after the shutter is pressed are very different. That makes this shot of my Caterpillar earrings all the more special. Check out this macro baby! *Screams*

I'll never fully master the kind of control I have between mind, body and spirit with machine-but it won't keep me from getting damn close! This is exactly what I saw in my mind's eye when I finished these earrings and, "Voila"!

Speaking of the body, I've been slacking in my yoga practice and I'm feeling the wear. My core is loose, both mentally and physically. I developed one of those throbbing headaches complete with chakral bursts of negative electric energy today after a 60 seconds phone call home...well NYC-it isn't home anymore. I feel much weaker when I'm not focused and disciplined, it is definitely an area for development as the new year comes about.

Well, I have about 5 drafts awaiting proof, editing and photos. A bientot, and happy reading.

Aargh! My creative chaos has backfired! I have misplaced, lost, thrown away possibly fed a small animal a gorgeous piece of vintage brass that I was finally going to work with this evening! I have gone through all of my boxes, looked under the table, behind the desk, under the abyss that is my dining room table and even through some of the labyrinth that is my coffee table and, nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Grrrrr! If it were beads, eh no sweat just order more minute loss, but vintage means that's it, the only one. Well, maybe not the only one but the others belong to someone's great aunt or her estate! Do you see it anywhere?

I shyed from vintage simply because I wasn't sure that my skills were honed enough to work with one of a kind pieces. There is nothing worse than a disparity between your mind's eye and the message your hands receive. Yesterday I was right on; message clear. I sat down and constructed a beautiful piece of jewelry combining a vintage finding with a beautiful button that I purchased for another project in err. It sold in about 30 minutes of posting it, now that is pretty sweet, yes?! The piece is called Amelia, no particular reason. Well, actually...Laughs. Funny story...a girlfriend has a daughter named Amanda who is pubescent and therefore insane. (as they all are) Anyway, we refer to her alter ego, y'know the one with a little more crazy than the regular pubescent crazy, as Amelia. We spoke yesterday briefly but, geesh I never thought the name would drill it's way into my subconscious so quickly or so easily for that matter. It's a good thing we weren't discussing anything vulgar. Could you just imagine "The Bitch necklace; Available NOW! at Pretty in Peace Designs!" Laughs. Thinks, "Must find necklace and ship to customer" Sips Pinot Grigio...Yet, again as brilliance starts to swirl about the wrinkled grey matter. Jordan enters to interrupt my serenity with some random foolishness. Ugh.

I did some shopping today, for myself actually. Well, Joe and I both picked up a few things. There were some pretty impressive things happening on the old Target (pronounced with French accent egout on 'e') clearance racks. I bought two super soft (like, you had them forever ever) blouses, they were $3.74! Considering, I had a weekly shopping habit of nearly 100 times that (not a typo) that is truly damn impressive! Of course I tried to rationalize buying every pattern/color-but Joe was there to be the frugal voice of reason. Grimaces. Shopping for others kinda stinks. I had a hell of a lot more fun waiting for Santa than being him! I enjoy the happy shiny faces on Christmas morning, but the weeks leading up to it are brutal on my inner spoiled child. Which reminds me isn't this the absolute best magnet?!Another super creative Etsian!

If you have not joined Etsy, you are seriously missing out. Well, perhaps it isn't your thing, but it has seriously helped me recapture and capitulate my creative energies. Goodyear, AZ is like Kryptonite on Creativity. Strip Mall Metropolis that it is, if I shop the malls the only thing that will make me stand out from the crowd is the fact that I'm black and flat chested! Laughs. I miss NYC shopping; The 3rd Street Bazaar and that wonderful marketplace on Broadway...well atleast I've got Etsy. Good night and good shopping!

As not to be redundant I will not begin this post with an admission of blogger's guilt. I will say however if you find yourself missing my musings do feel free to purchase and mail me the following from soapboxtheory! This shop is run by a fellow Etsian who also hosts a page at soapboxtheory.com! These cards make you want to write a letter, throw a Fish-fry, sit down and talk some "good shit".

Speaking of letter writing, this is a pic of the lovely card that I received in the Snail mail Etsy swap, another amazing Etsian and budding entrepreneur.

Ugh...What else has been going on?

Note to self: "You know you are 34 and the days of remembering every minute (and some major) events in your life are coming to a close...blog regularly damn it!"

Oh, okay so did I already mention Yael wants a horse for Christmas? Yes, like a real horse. She's funny. Nothing ceases to amaze me with the little people. Needless to say I am just about done with her Christmas shopping and there shall be no horse. Reality aside-meaning ignore the impracticalities of a Native NYC-er...yes, Queens-not Syracuse, owning a horse. The only thing I know about horses is Central Park and a few girlfriends who don "The Cat". We already have a guinea pig and two kittens that, while I was coerced by promising eyes have met with many a rolled eye when it's time to scoop shit or change bedding! Imagine a friggin' horse-can you just imagine? Yikes!

Oddly enough I can't think of too many items I'd like for Christmas. I have some Etsy favorites picked out and could use some yoga threads (and some damn yoga) and some, like...random "errands-wear". Joe seems to be into the idea of buying me a craft table/station. Like, I really need one. Pffft! What's wrong with what I'm currently using? I mean, look at the bright side of it, I have sold over 100 pieces of jewelry in less than 100 days of business! This morning I woke up to this. The FRONT PAGE TREASURY! And, above and beyond all else-it makes me happy! Being in business for myself and by myself is really an amazing feeling. I'd love a shipping and receiving department, but y'know I'm taking baby steps! We all have to start somwhere, yes?

Well, that's a pretty brief update of the stuff I can remember. And, for all of the stuff I've forgotten, Coming soon to a PC near you a NEW! Flickr page...well, eventually-anyway. Peace.

Popcorn, cards and crackers-I absolutely love my Etsy life. There is nothing greater for the gloomy Arizona winter days than crafting. Granted, there are a bazillion things I could do in and about the house, but the gratification from making something beautiful is just surreal.

This year I've gone with a Cozy Country theme for Christmas, so far I have strung enough popcorn to wrap all 7.5 feet of our family tree. Of course, with the help of my favorite guy. I'm all about themes. I wonder if I'll ever cave and let the children participate in the dressing of the tree. Joe has coined me the, "Christmas Nazi". It is an interesting paradigm, but it holds quite a bit of merit. I just have this mental image every year of what I need the tree to look like and know that I cannot go forward and be merry if that vision is not fulfilled. I wonder what adverse effects this will have on the children. Will they monopolize their own family trees'? Or, to drive me nuts, will they invite me over with the largest un-themed (Is that a word? Let's go with theme-less.) hodge podge of holiday madness tree-smack dab in the center of their living room. Oh, the horror! Shakes head to rid evil thoughts.

Speaking of old fashioned (gotta love the segue) a fellow Etsian launched a snail mail campaign celebrating the art of stationery and letter writing and I jumped right on it. Although my paper goods shop didn't take off with the fortitude of Pretty in Peace, it still remains dear to me. This is what I came up with for my partner:

I combined some archival and cotton fiber papers and attached them decoupage style to a tri fold natural cardstock. I punched holes at the corners and ribbon-tied the note with peach polyester ribbon.

Next up...the Christmas Cracker Swap! On Monday I will complete and stuff a gorgeous Christmas cracker that I've designed for another member of the fantastic Etsy community. This idea came to me via the fora from two very innovative ladies, Carolyn and Valerie. Valerie also happens to be my partner, therfore, I will not be posting the contents of this lovely cracker. Surprises are a good thing. Instead, be on the lookout for the cracker I am to receive from Valerie and the letter from my elusive snail mail partner.

These little bits of happiness are really a load of fun and helps build the sense of community on Etsy that is so easily lost in the murky snark swamps of the fora.

Oh boy! The feeling is starting to take over...it is almost Christmas! Yikes! We went to Target this morning and picked up a few items for the children. I've pretty much completed my shopping. I took the pledge, so everything that I'm gifting this year is made by hand; mine or another amazing artist. I've gone a completely different direction with decorating this year too. Theme: A Cozy Country Christmas. Red is the color and our tree will be strewn in popcorn and cranberries. All presents will be wrapped in post consumer recycled kraft paper and red raffia ties. I'm looking forward to pulling this off, it's a first. I have a theme every year, but this country deal is new. I don't think the kids care about the aesthetics as long as whatever is in the boxes isn't too country!

I go through phases, lately I've been missing my Gullah ties a lot. I was shopping on Etsy the other night and came across a seller not far from my grandparents' house. It really felt good to buy from her another Carolinian. I love the feel and the tradition associated with country life, it's slow and savory like the meals, but everything else is just the antithesis of Tameka, the person. I think that is why I like my little oasis so much, it's part old-fashioned traditional, yet free-thinking, liberal and progressive-if that is at all possible. Well that is the thought process behind our Cozy Country Christmas.

It looks like this years' Festivus will be cancelled or at least postponed until well after the holidays. We are likely taking a trip up North in search of some snow. Yeah! That'll be cool, perhaps I'm missing that too-I ordered a scarf the other day! Joe looked at me quizzically when I showed him, he asked where I might wear a scarf in AZ (nevermind how seldom I actually go further than the mailbox) eh, whatever-it is a really really nice scarf. If you are looking for a scarf that says "I am here." Check out http://ezrascousin.etsy.com. Not only does she take an age old craft to an all new level, but her style is classy and regal. I have explored a lot of different fashions, but knit, crochet, classy and regal do not usually meld. Check this shop out, she does it and she does it well.

Business has been slow the past few days, I'm guessing much like myself folks are out and about doing their shopping. Or, the economy has truly put a dent in the holiday gift giving. Well, Yael is not getting a horse, but that has little to do with the national debt! I hope things pick up for me there are a few extras I'd like to get for the husband. It's been a banner year for us and he really is deserving of some extra niceties.

Well, I'm off to bed.

I've got one of those dull headaches that exist for no reason other than to annoy. I'm not going to let it defeat me though, for I've got Alka Seltzer and English muffins. Well, no there is no scientific proof that English Muffins cure headaches, but they're tasty and tasty alleviates some of the annoyance of having the headache in the first place.

Kathie has prescribed another anti-depressant, which is probably why I have a headache. I can't help but feel like the period of misery that precludes the jumpstart of antidepressants is some perverse medical version of, "I'll give you something to cry for." Why do people say that? Pauses in deep though which is soon interrupted by a whining child. Ugh, Yael wants to go back to Madison's house.

As an introvert, I find my extremely outgoing, social children to be quite disturbing...interesting and endearing-but thoroughly confusing. My daughter has had 2 sleepovers in 2 days. In addition, she has played with this person and others between the 2 sleepovers. Yet, she is not tired. I love my committee dearly, but after a good day, I must (for the love of all things sacred) have 2 face free, quiet, solitudinous good days to recharge. Jordan is a little more reserved than Yael-I've noticed him retreating mentally when one particularly loquacious friend is here too long. He can be very Joe-like in social settings. He'll sit seemingly interested in the random rantings of his peers. Where I would be on the verge of tears or worse just rise and retreat to my room. (Two of my girlfriends still talk about a time I got up during a night of drinking and gabbing and left them sitting in my living room-they later found my clothing atop the hamper and my bedroom door closed. The husband let them out.) Laughs.

We have an outing planned for tomorrow...it's more pleasurable business than pleasure for pleasure's sake. But, there will be people...I'm guessing enough of them that Joe and I will not have to really engage any particular grouping. We can skirt the place and remain incognito. Laughs. We should bode well, I've spent the day alone in the dark, cleaned the litter box, watched a French Film cuddled with the kitties, took a shower, took my headscarf off for about 5 minutes which was about how long it took me to decide against combing my hair-although, I really should be doing that everyday.

I must snap out of this Goodyear Couture slump. I've gone from Fashionista to Domestic Dreg. I tried making mental contracts with myself but they always fall through. And, it isn't that I'm even upset about the way I look...I'm just so focused on doing that I am not really making room for being. Truth is, I'm more bothered by the perception that I am unhappy or otherwise dissatisfied. Who in their right mind prefers heels to flip flops and jeans to jazz pants with a hole in the crotch?! I mean really. Joe reminds me that I'm "pretty all the time". Smiles, I love that guy. And, oddly enough, I'm just one of those depressed folks that is serotonin/nor-epinephrine challenged. I like myself, I think I'm smart and pretty and I love my life-when I am not plagued with fatigue, mood swings and irrational feelings of hopelessness, worry and impending doom.

No Pretty in Peace today. I made some stuff, but it's too overcast to take pics. Plus, the weekends are super slow for me. Even the fora is uninteresting today. Just as well, since I've not been particularly dulcet in demeanor of late. I got a stern admonishment from one of the Auxiliary Fora Police for "calling out"-which I didn't. And, some self-righteous idiot called me "closed-minded". (Yes, as in past-tense. Right, uh-huh...like my mind was previously closed and now is slightly ajar). She totally misread something I wrote and of course personalised it. I wish therapists solicited clients like parishioner's. And, referral discounts or better yet, cash bonuses every time a prescription is filled. I'd be loaded. There are a bunch of fruit cakes with extra nuts in the Etsy fora and honestly, they were there even before the Gift Guides. Laughs. I made the guide, peers over each shoulder covertly and whispers "Twice-but don't tell anyone okay? Pinkie promise?Okay, good".

Takes headache break...Well, at least that was the plan-no such luck as grooming maladroit, teenage son needs 2 cornrows...and then of course I have to wash all 18 inches of ethnic evil that is Yael's hair in between bellowing at "Rogue kitten" who is attacking ghosts on top of the dining room table! Big, "No no". I'm all about singing, dancing, kissing and loving the fur kids-but the table deal is not the way to go. So now, I sit eating the ever nutritious giant bowl of corn and leftover vegetable herb stuffing head-ache free but not at all rested. Oh, and did I mention the brief oral surgery performed on a rotting cracked pre-molar? Well that too. She's now writing a letter to the Tooth Fairy. I have her convinced that the Tooth Fairy does not pay for damaged teeth. You do recall the meltdown that ensued after the last tooth was misplaced? She's obviously concerned about the impending appraisal. I think if we really low-ball her, she'll consider revising her current Jeff-Goldblum-as-The Fly-esque eating habits. Nothing else seems to work. She just asked me if she could have a piece of candy-it hasn't been an hour since the tooth was pulled. I think she's crazy. Look at that another one. I'm telling you, recruiting Louie's seems like a lucrative career choice; Tameka, Headcase Hunter LLC. It has a nice ring to it.

Note:

Louie-noun; shortened version of "Screwy Louie".

Hi My name is Tameka and I...am an inconsistent blogger. Are you happy now? I said it! I wish I knew what I've been so busy doing that I've so severely neglected this blog. Do forgive me as I have forgiven myself. Winks. Yes, I am not going to beat myself up about it...carry on, shall we?

Let's see, we've covered the kittens, yes? Beau has a calm resolve about the whole situation with the new fur kids. Make no mistake, he is not completely thrilled, but he has found a place of acceptance about them living here too. And, because he has been so admirable I've been giving him some extra out of cage time. There was a hint of tension between Beau and Biju initially...she is cause for concern. I may need to call the Cat Whisperer for her; a bit rough around the edges, she is. We all have someone like that in our lives, they add color to life and occasionally a cheek or two. She as issues with respecting personal space, I guess to anthropomorphise I'd say she is the extroverted type, the TMI person at the gathering, she arrives unannounced and not quite put together. That's our Biju! She farts alot, she's a bit unkempt...but you gotta love her. Anju, on the other hand is a "Cream Puff". He can be a bit of a whiner, but that melds well with all of the Cancerian Cry-babies that are already here. I vacillate on pushing him to toughen up a bit because I totally respect his introversion and general indifference. I'd totally drink coffee and watch an indie film with the anthromorphous Anju! So, as you can tell I am totally smitten with my turning-out-to-be-quite-a-handful-of-patience-and-money kittens.

I think I'm going to break down and get on my Flickr game already! Photos bring so much life to blogging. I'm perfectly sated to read on and on about the trials and triumphs along another writer's path, but for the folks that never quite got over the cancellation of Reading Rainbow, pictures bring a whole other life to blogging. Now, I said I will have to get my Flickr on, but what that means in the grand scheme of things is that Joe will set it up and give me the dimmed down version of how to use it. Not that I cannot read, I don't know if I have developed some elitist aversion but I am graphic/visual aids challenged. Establishing Beau's very bare MySpace profile was a feat, complete with flared, sweaty nostrils and quite a bit of anger. (Yikes! Paris Bennett's song just came on Pandora-nails on a chalkboard I tell ya'). The Etsy community is so, well communal and while togetherness really isn't my thing I do find the kind of intimacy that builds as a result of just letting a little of your sunshine (and rain) in, is good for business and for your overall e-growth. I tried rather unsuccessfully...(shamefully unsuccessful) to partake in Self Portrait Thursdays. I think, I made it like 2 or 3 times. I've concluded that Thursdays aren't my pretty day, I am definitely a Mondays' Hottie. Winks. I know that playing well in the sandbox-unless it is my sandbox, filled with formally invited guests only and decorated with imported quality white sand, is just not one of my many strengths. So without completely ruining the Etsy tradition I will try to take a self portrait randomly during the week and in the spirit of community, co-mingling and cooperation will upload it to my Flickr account on Thursday's. I think that is fair, yes?

Pretty in Peace NEWS! Well, I reached a high of 75 listed items...I'm back down to 74. I have supplies orders coming in the mail...er I mean "bill box" everyday. My personal goal is to have 100 items completed and listed for sale by the first of December. Male voice over asks,"Will she do it?" This, remains to be seen. Business and creativity are not really friends...as are creativity and broke, but y'know. I try to balance the need to stay true to my brand and myself by only putting out quality items and not mass producing designs a la strip malls and mainstream B&Ms-and with that comes the design block dilemma. Sometimes, I feel analytical, some days creative and crafty. Other times, I just wanna sit down and write a letter to a friend. Being in the comforts of home is bittersweet. My home is so cozy (Really, it is. Hues of blues and browns, it's like being on a temperature controlled, insects-free oasis with electricity and basic satellite TV)everything is so "me". I often find it challenging to get in business mode. The wholesale orders were a fiscal frilly, but it felt like work. By the time all of the settings were cast and it was time to package and ship, I had already spent my profits laughs and it just wasn't so much fun anymore. I think I mentioned that I'm not a real good "do-er". (I also hate the word good) Well, I don't think I'll accept anymore than an additional one or two wholesale orders because I don't want to commit my stock to the beautification of someone else's shop during the peak of consumerism that is Christmas.

Our Thanksgiving was quaint and casual just the way we like it. Everything was prepared on time, the presentation was lovely, we all banded together to pull it off and we did. Yael engaged in a bit of holiday mutiny that was quickly brought to a sortie by "Corporal Dad" and his army green canvas belt. Chuckles. Jordan was cooperative, we're pleased, he's finally learned. I really can't ask for more. We had some random family banter, made our individual proclamations of gratitude, a few jokes. Joe slipped in some ever appropriate teen sex humor and away we went with full hearts and guts. Yael announced that she would like a Wii for Christmas or...a horse. How unfortunate, Santa, I fear, heard-dolls, books and cool handmade goods from Etsy! (Subtle plug) All of my Etsy money has gone back into other Etsy artists' shops and supplies. I am giving handmade this year and it feels great! I've been able to really tap into the place in all of my special people that I want to spotlight without the pressures of following a trend or a list. I believe they will be quite pleased. Even Jordan-who is at the peak of label lust.I'd eat raw rancid meat before I'd give up what I know now to be 16 again...blecccch.

As I was dabbing on the Sulfur 8-(Gotta love the arid AZ air vs. Black girl hair) I spotted a shiny platinum strand of "good sense" within the first centimeter of hairs framing the right side of my face, I smiled. With the exception of my ass drooping, I welcome all of the wonders of aging. I'm healthy, loving, loved and pretty good looking on Mondays'!

So, I think I have noted any and everything particularly noteworthy over the past 3 weeks. I'll get on that Flickr thingamabob for those short on syntax and it's a go. Removes rogue kitten from sofa and sighs.

Ack! I still haven't posted pics from Halloween or the kitties. Soon come, soon come. Today is the eve of the anniversary of the birth of my first child. I could totally have just said it is Jordan's birthday eve, but this is my blog...he should start his own if he wants to talk about his part in the day. Yes? Well, (not to sound like Mary J. always harpin' on her man) but my absolutement favorit homme bought a 12 pack of Hefeweizen, just to ease the ceremonious labor aches and pains. He is the one, I tell ya. I love love love that he acknowledges my ever important role in birthing babies...that Joe is a good egg! Hugs to the husband.

So sixteen it is, I will, in about 13 hours and 20 minutes have a 16 year old man-child. Yikes! I just trimmed his lovely shoulder length locks and aided and abetted the foolishness that is a moustache into some semblance of fashionable form. I never quite understood the need for a moustache, I guess it is tantamount to breasts for girls...I never understood or inherited any of those either! Laughs. I often to refer to this phase of my life as the perils of puberty although in my heart of hearts it is the pleasure, the passion, and the perpetual wisdom that accompanies parenting.I couldn't ask for more...really, even on the bad past-curfew-lied-about-your-whereabouts-gotta-pick-your-silly-ass-up-from-the-sheriff's-containment-center days! I still think I'm too young for most of this shit though, really, I still like the red candies and am not above any fortune telling devices, toys, articles...my husband makes me giggle madly and so does the sight of someone busting their ass! Laughs.

So let me tell you more about my kittens from here on out, they will be referred to as my, "fur-kids" or their names Anju my 2 mos old sweet boy and Biju my 1 mo old good girl...yes they are my, "sweet and good" ones. Not that Beau is not in good standing anymore, but Beau is moody and stand-offish like the humans that live here. I must admit I was kinda love-starved! Okay, okay, so Anju in a nutshell is a scaredy-cat; he lurks under the bed peeking out from under the dust ruffle. You totally know he wants to come out and run amok, but he's still feeling us out. Biju on the other hand is all about it! Now, she is a well travelled kitten, she's been in Jordan's quarters much akin to the French Quarters post Katrina, she's been behind the refrigerator...she returned dusty yet unscathed, she's been in my craft pile, she's been on the yoga mat...she has clawed my 50% off faux ficus from Michael's (had to squirt her that time) and she has been to Beau's-uninvited of course. Bothered her none, she simply scaled the side of his domicile and perched herself atop his roof, fuzzy little paws dangling in. Beau remained secluded and annoyed until she fell asleep up there. They are the source of much pleasure around here all across the board even the resident rapper has been caught being er..um...sensitive! "We loves the fur kids!"

Pretty in Peace! Pretty in Peace is in Relate magazine this month! Relate magazine is intended for teens, but since modern day teens are so flippin' advanced, (for lack of a better word) it is drawing more of the 'tween audience...which includes your 8-13 year olds, I believe. You know Hannah Montana, clear lip gloss and nail polish kiddos! Well, one of my rings made their Closet Craves section!Here is the link:

http://www.relatemag.com/magazine.aspx?nav=design&Page=Closet%20Craves

Isn't that just the most fantabulastic news? I'm so way way way excited. I just finished some NEW! designs, 2 wholesale orders and signed my first consignment contract with Nectar Boutique in SLC, Utah (that's cool-speak for Salt Lake City)! Again, I have to say we are bound only by the confines of our own minds. Not that every journey you set out on will be a documented historical success, but you will have ventured-and that, within itself is a success. Don't even get me started on American history and folks that are credited with discovering shit that was already inhabited and in use-but as a black woman it would be long before I was given credit for my own accomplishments let alone any additional accreditation. Not a dig at the "man", just a firmly planted foot and another contingency plan. Forward, I go.

We are starting to get ready for the end of the year stretch here in "Market's-town". I just selected the e-vite template for this year's "Festivus Soul-stice". I really look forward to that one day a year when everyone gets together for a night of carefully orchestrated chaos. It will be December 15th this year...I'm hoping my committee can pull it off. There is nothing like the charge I get from a few days of good food and friendship, it's the perfect end and a positive prospectus for the beginning of our years together. (Plus, they gotta see the NEW! fur-kids!)

Life has been a bit complex lately. I'm happy but I'm not, it's a sort of odd ambivalence about everything these days. I keep telling myself that doing the right thing is always the longest most taxing route, and yet there's this entitled little voice in my ear lamenting about a "break". In fact it says, "What the hell already, damn it?!" Some days I don't have the energy for the depth of introspection required to raise myself up and above cultural and societal standards. My non-conformance armor has a few vulnerable rusted areas, and I admit sometimes I'd just like to be a bit lavish and careless. Only to be followed by guilt, so you can't win, I suppose. We're just at the eight of hard times in our lives right now (not to be confused with bad times) just a lot of transitioning going on simultaneously in every facet of our existence, family, finance, friendships. I know we're headed somewhere greater with all of the due diligence we've put in, but it does nothing to assuage the growing pains of here and now. Some evenings, some days period. i gaze over at Joe and wonder where he gets all of this energy and strength from. Not that I doubted him, because I do not invest in people I don't believe in, but he has surpassed any of the unspoken expectations that I had for our family. He has just really taken the bull by the horns and set up a life for all of us that puts us in position to maximize our potential. At every turn, for-as a mother, and allowing me the opportunity to build string character in my children and for them giving them the safety net at home preparing them for the uncertainties of adulthood. There really is so much in which I can be grateful. I needed to do just what I did when I started feeling shitty. I prepared and Alka-Seltzer, sat in lotus pose with a straight back took a deep breath and let it all out, right here. So, I guess I did have the energy to devote to some introspection, eh? I feel better now.

I think I'll go play with Anju and Biju...they're too cute. i already started looking for Christmas present for them, they're going to be so excited!

November 1st...Welcome Anju & Biju

Day one of discipline...I dragged poor stye-eyed hubby to the dregs of Phoenix to adopt, not one, but two very necessary kittens. I have been itching for a little more fur-covered companionship than Monsieur Beau can offer for a while now, and with Joe being gone so many hours and the kids' having their own very busy social calendars, I admit I was feeling a bit love-starved. On both the giving and receiving ends. So now I have kittens, two beautiful little sweeties! Anju is the boy, he is a Grey Tabby and Biju, the girl is a mixed breed, definitely Russian Blue, with white paws. I'll get pictures up as soon as they are familiar with their NEW! forever home. It's been a busy day for the little ones and they're still getting acclimated.

So, how is that disciplined? I don't know, but in a roundabout way some structure has come out of it. I will have to set up my studio space outside of the living room/dining room/bedroom/ laundry room that it is now currently sprawled throughout. Kittens are like toddlers, they will play with, eat, and destroy anything within reach. So, that is one good thing! Organization. I was also so excited about the new arrivals that I ate one, instead of my usual two slices of Brother's (so good, mmmm) pizza-there ya go, some moderation...good for the thighs. I did not exercise, but I will get in some exercise today while I put my studio together! I must admit, I was even getting a bit nuts with all of the scatter. Creative minds are messy...very messy.

It is 3:45 and I really do need to get to sleep so that I can fulfill all of my organizational duties, so off I go. Oh oh oh! Halloween pictures...I'll get those up today sometime. "Yael Granger" looked beautiful in her Gryffindor duds and my sarcastic pumpkin was a hit too. I just grabbed the Sharpie and drew a face, it was quite the accurate portrait of my mood at the time. I was not having an "up" day and if I could put it to art (which I suppose I did) it would (and did) look a lot like this year's pumpkin! I stayed in this year and gave out candy, Joe did the honors-it turned out well. The last round of kiddies came through at about 8:30ish, we had some pieces left over and a few tchatchtkes; snakes, spiders, bats...overall a good turnout. I hope I feel better about the upcoming holidays-it is not at all like me to sit one out. We'll see...

Busy weekend here in Market's-town (that's what a girlfriend call us-it's the English equivalent of my married name sans hyphenation). I'm a bit bummed that my supplies order has not come in and I was itching to create, but it didn't stop me from laying the groundwork. I have my projections for the holiday season all formatted, profit margins for e-commerce...tomorrow I'll draft out the ROIs for the retail services and the wholesale/consignment offers. I must admit as hard as I'm trying to remain calm and level-headed about this whole venture the success of it really has me psyched. It's just a good feeling to see your hard work pay off and I did really think Pretty in Peace through in its entirety. This was a meticulously planned execution down to the site's trafficking patterns. I'm saddened that Love.Paper.Scissors didn't skyrocket, I'm ambivalent about my plans. I thoroughly enjoy paper-crafting and would love to continue, but at the same time, with all of the Pretty in Peace offers that have come in I don't want to spread myself too thin. With any luck, Love. Paper.Scissors will gain visibility on the coattails of Pretty in Peace...although the demographic is hardly similar. Ugh, I don't know, we'll just have to wait and see.

One thing I know for certain I absolutely must develop a schedule before I go crazy. I try to build and maintain an excellent rapport with my vendors and customers, but I feel like I'm always in front of this computer. Joe mentioned the gym today and as much as I want to go...rather need to go-I'm like, "Where does that fit in"? Not good, I must be disciplined. That is my personal goal for November. "Thirty days of Necessity" I will eat, drink and exercise mind, body and spirit in the moderate albeit necessary amounts or optimal performance. Yeah...okay...

"Joyzee"! I'm going to New Jersey...well not me, personally but ten of my Pretty in Peace jewelry designs will be featured at a New Jersey retail location! I will photograph the selection of items early next week and post them! I'm really excited about all of the wondrous opportunities that have jumped at me since taking the "leave Chase leap of faith". The universe knows...that's where I must pay attribute. Hell, I have paid my dues. I'm far from loaded, but I am free and I am spiritually and emotionally content...that, at 34, with my health, my committee, two children and a devoted hard-working husband-that is the only other thing I could wish for. I have affluence although I am financially not rich. If you don't know what that is, clearly you do not have it. Life is good and "Pretty in Peace". Winks.

Well, that was syrupy sweet and now on to the flip-because there is an "other" side to all things, yes? Today I taught 3rd grade, made tacos for the occasional carnivorous family, sauteed garlicky green beans, started a custom order-not for jewelry but two altered tin baby albums and I made brownies. Wouldn't you know, while I was sitting on the sofa with one eye on the gorgeous Paper Studio archival sheets...Yael clumsily clamors through the house, to the back- because with my dreadful posture and being longitudinally challenged, sometimes I am not visible above the backing of the sofa. So, she trots to the office and then, warp-speed she cuts the corner of the foyer and enters my bedroom, then she spots me. I Sulk. "What Rose?" I ask, panting she says "Mom?" (why do kids do that?) I give the "what" look without saying anything and she says..."Gwyn's Halloween party is tomorrow and her mom is like, gonna pick me up at like, 4:00 or 4:15...or something, so you have to have my Hermione...Annoyed, I interrupt and say, "Okay! Okay, I'll stay up late". Excitedly, she runs back to the telephone to tell Gwyn the "great news". So I totally have to do it now, eh? I'm excited though, I try hard to be a scoundrel but somehow, the saint shines through or as Bonnie calls me "Fuckin' Mother Teresa ova' here". Laughs. So here it is 9:40 PM and I have painted, sanded, cut, glued, taught, cooked, counseled, encouraged and still, I must go on! I summoned the favorite guy to bring me some gas. Winks. Beer. Dances in chair to Unbreakable. I love that Alicia Keys.

Speaking of Unbreakable, favorite guy and I saw I Think I Love My Wife with Chris Rock. Excellent movie and I'm not one for comedies. I have a great amount of respect for Mr. Rock for a number of reasons, but namely because he "comes from somewhere". Now, take out your "Tameka book". "Comes from somewhere", means he is articulate, he is not slovenly or uncouth, his business is not in the "street" and he represents middle class blacks accurately. Some may say, "How does one represent a whole ethnic/socio-economic group"? The same way the woman with three teeth and the rollers in her hair on the evening news does. Black people with good sense do not find that shit funny, but we find Chris Rock to be quite amusing. Got it now? Good. In addition, the film is a "comedie noir", my absolute favorite genre. I do not care for slapstick humor, but the dry irony found in everyday occurrences touches me. Perhaps, that is because it is quite reflective of my own observations and wit? Who knows, but it is a film worth seeing.

Now, what made me mention the film was Alicia Keys' song Unbreakable. The film was about a married couple..don't know her name, but anyway Chris Rock has "made it" he lives in the burbs has the two kids and the pretty wife. Then, along comes what the committee would simply refer to as, "This Bitch". Every woman that has ever been in a relationship knows, "This Bitch". (Some of us know a few of 'em.) "This Bitch" is always showing way too many teeth when you aren't around and sometimes too much skin. "This Bitch" develops scoliosis when she passes the liquor store, basketball court, and the barber shop. You follow? Okay, so some trollop from the past moves in to "steal" (cause that's what they call it) Chris Rock from his wife and family. I won't give away the whole movie-but trust if you have ever been remotely close to having an encounter with "This Bitch"-this has to be one of the most accurate portrayals ever! And, the funniest part is every one of them thinks they came up with some new "sure-fire extra special pussy powered plan" (that phrase has been copy-written) to take yo' man! "Tsk, tsk bitches". Laughs. Great film it's a must see. Rereads what I just wrote... "Well, where was I when that Siskel & Ebert dude died?! Could you just see it now? On the billboards, "Tsk tsk...Bitches"- Mercado & Ebert. Laughs.

"Huh? What's that you say? What am I doing playing around on my blog when I have so much work to do?" I'll pull it off. Trust me- tomorrow, by the time everyone settles into their office chairs and gets their coffee, this posting and photos of an Official Etsy Mom Hermione Granger accessories' kit will be up and ready to go "partyin' with Gwyn". Thinks of song, "She Get it From Her Mama"...I don't know what that stupid song is doing in my head-but when I just typed that last line, I thought of it. The nights my grandmother (and sometimes my dad) stayed up with me. Painting school play props, or student government campaign posters... or wiping "I hate algebra" tears. I'm yammering about the chores of parenting, but I know there are easier options...it's just, "excellence is a habit not an option". Winks.

Let me get to work, "sing it Alicia". Have ya'll heard Pretty in Peace Radio yet? Good shit. Dances to Aaliyah...(beer number 2)-sings "More than a woman, more, more, more than woman". The glue on the Hogwarts Brooch is curing, as is the unofficial Hedwig hairpin (I am so not blow drying waist length curly/nappy loveliness tomorrow. It isn't quite Halloween yet! Doing the gluteus groove to Jill Scott...I'm done and I have done it! Good night, damn it!

The pictures of the earrings are here...not too bad, it only took me two days. I'm really liking them-perhaps I'm style challenged as they haven't garnered many views. The masses just aren't ready, that's what I always say.

I saw Kathie today...I have this strange desire to type her name with a "y" instead of the "ie" at the end because she is an older, serious, intelligent woman. Somehow "ie" Kathie comes across as buoyant and bubbly and silly even. What is that transference dysfunction/phenomena when you transfer thoughts sounds colors even to symbols, letters and shapes? I'll figure it out and post a link to it. I have it. Whatever the damn thing is called. I was just telling Joe that the label logo sounds like "bloop" which translates for those of you who are not yet fluent in Tameka, as the sound of a plop of liquid with more mass than water-pudding, oil, not syrup that is more of a llllub lub...than a bloop-work with me everyone knows what a bloop sounds like, yes? Well Joe sees it as, I think he said an orbit or constellation or comet or something astronomical in nature and me, well I hear it as a bloop.

You can see how communication may have been a challenge in our 16 year marriage, yes. Laughs. Differences color the universe, it's all relative. And for the days that are full of brash colors that don't quite meld I have this. Joe bought this for me (at my behest of course) from the Dollar Tree near home. I love it-I already had an opportunity to put it to use. This little guy is the secret to marital bliss...well him and Kathie, but he's cheaper and cuter! This is my de-stress toy. Thinks do you de-stress or un-stress? Hmmm...Well, this is a toy that is supposed to keep you from squeezing your actual husband's nose or testes depending on the offense. I get quite a bit of relief out of eye rolling and sarcasm, but he has learned to deflect and placate me on the sarcasm and I find the constant eye rolling was beginning to cause severe headaches. I'm hoping this guy works out. I've gotten quite a few really helpful little tools from the Dollar Tree. Maybe, this one will be valuable beyond its price in currency. I wish he could wash clothes and mop, I mean he looks like a formidable guy, right? Yeah right! Laughs hysterically.

Has it really been over a week since I wrote?! Geesh, if the voices in my head could type this blog would be a tome. Let's see here-what have I done all week?!

Well, I got my first check for my wholesale order Moves gluteus' in seat while sitting in lotus position. I have started de-shanking and sanding and cementing. I'm looking forward to hearing feedback on how the sales go retail. It's a small feat but it is a first and first everything is something to be excited about. It is the precedent, the lesson, the birth and death of something. I signed up for Indie Public that's me in the little box below, do you see me? Waves hello. Oh and I blow dried my hair, big deal right...not exactly I haven't blown my hair straight since I think February because it's been hot and I'm hormonally hot and too damn tired most of the time. When I finished, I felt the nostalgic gratification of having my natural locks pressed at the beauty parlor in Corona when I was young. There was enough grease in my hair to fill a turkey fryer...grease bleeding into my then un-plucked eyebrows, and you could not tell me that my shoulder length, chocolate brown, entirely too tightly curled hair was not the cats' meeeeow! It is a beautiful thing to beautify oneself every now and again, even if no one sees it but you.

I was dreading the whole round brush heat ridden insanity until about half way through when it started to come to fruition and the visual memories began to form. Hair styling-the combing, plaiting, pressing, blow drying, chemical treating-the whole "sha-bang" as my brother says is an integral part of black culture. Of course every culture styles their hair but the process of maintaining the complex textures and styles of ethnic hair make it especially notable. When I am styling my Yael's hair for picture day or a birthday, holiday-I fondly remember my youth. The barrette box, the "big" comb, the good ponytail brush...I love all of it. Good stuff...

Anyway, what else did I do this week-see how easy it is to digress...my goodness. Scrolls up to remind self. Oh, okay 34 is a tough age I tell ya, I signed up for Indie Public was where I got lost in thought. Well, it's an Indie community directory, I didn't develop my page as much as I would have liked. I will need to set up a day to list all of my items and really discipline myself to stay atop of the process. Joe is so much better than I am with routine discipline. I am more of a principles disciple...If I say that I am going vegan, it is done. Pledging ahimsa-it is done...exercise...it shall be done...one day, someday but not today, pass me a cookie...Yeah that is the deal with me unless it will truly matter when I leave this Earth...I find it difficult to incorporate. We all have our shortcomings, eh.

I got through all of this week's lessons, lectured Jordan on social diplomacy and dating, picked up the supplies for an unofficial Hermione Granger Hogwarts school uniform for Halloween folly and candy grubbing and still managed to squeeze in 2 six-packs of beer with the husband. Breathes deeply I think I need some kind of Black Belle Peace Prize or something, no? I'm like all over the place and doing it gracefully. My brother says that I am his hero on his Myspace page, my sister says I'm the best sister anyone can ask for, Iva has added Pretty in Peace accessories to her current Grown and Sexy line, Manoogs sent me a card and three packs of Serenity (the universe sure knows I could use some) incense. My mother even called me this week-and we had a nice chat?! Well go me, damn it!

Supposedly Mercury is in retrograde which I know to be true because I was about to give it to a couple of folks...well namely this one fucking energy leech on the Etsy forums, but being the super-sister-heroine-good-friend-jewelry-designing-domestic-goddess that I am, I detoured the lure of celestial insanity and took the high road, beer and creating stuff.

I made 2 pairs of earrings this week. Earrings are more fun mentally than they are in application. When the idea for a design hits I'm beckoned from my bed to the "studio" I've got to clear this shit off the table before the husband loses it completely. I pull out all the beads, the tools, assess any parts that I'll need to purchase, figure out the costs and then, the fun part is over. I'm definitely more architect than I am construction worker. The only downfall of indie business and selling handmade goods, and really it is the only downfall. I relish in the fact that I do not have to be a slave to what is "in". I know that each piece I mail is very limited edition because it just isn't in me as an individual to mass market any idea, concept or project. I lose interest easily. There are a handful of staples in my life, my family, my committee and my creativity-everything else is subject to frequent and immediate change without warning. It is a philosophy known only as Tameka. Ask anyone that knows me (good luck there aren't many) there are things of this world that can only be described as Tameka. Things as varied as a piece of art to a pair of boots-that is me. That is what I want each of my pieces to say...not just Tameka of course, but I'd like people to look at a piece and purchase it not because it says J-Lo, D&G, Joe Schmoe whatever but because they can look at it and say, "Oh this is so me". It'd be an insult to my buyers to mass produce. How many yous can there be, really?

So I yammered on the horn today and warmed my favorite spot on the sofa while watching National Geographic and Court TV all day and of course did not get around to photographing aforementioned earrings, so that, I will do tomorrow although there is no promising that I will get them up on this blog then...I try really I do, but believe it or not there's only one of me.

Crazy happenings lately...well no crazier than usual-but interesting...yes that is probably a better word. Let's see, I mentioned my Peace Swap person right? Okay well that is going well and we have decided on what we will design for each other. I am designing a piece of jewelry and she will make a grocery tote for me. I'm excited and a little nervous-but hey that's the norm. I designed a pair of earrings that I am most proud of...I think I'll make another pair. They are simple and stylish! I'm loving them. They're in my shop right now-go look...go 'head the blog will still be here.

It's a good day so far. I got a sale this morning, so I'm off to the Post Office...always a pleasure...not! My mind was all over the place about Peace Swap IV but I got relief from a surprising source. I guess about a month ago I was traipsing about through the Etsy fora and noticed this person and I had been hitting alot of the same threads and posting very similar comments. I did something I would never have done without the protective shield of the web-I shot her a friendly hello e-mail and just kinda said Namaste, I noticed you in the fora today. That rhymes! giggles. Much to my pleasant surprise, she replied Namaste! she's a yoga instructor, a vegan and an all around sweet woman. I'm glad we connected and she was a huge help in pointing me in the right direction. My swap worries are near over.

So I received my Peace Swap IV partner info last night...The insanity begins. It is 2:16 in the froggy morning and I'm here obsessing, eager and anxious and moreover awe-struck. I don't know if Peace-freaks are cut from the same cloth, bore of the same pod, or landed from the same ship, but my PS IV partner's responses to the questionnaire were eerily similar to mine. Even in the answers she circumvented. I have to make contact with her and get her OK to blog about her, but I will say that it is an exciting venture and from what I can glean in the early stages, we are likely to keep in contact for a lot longer than it will take me to design and execute the project that has me up at this ungodly hour.

Today is Friday, also known as Girls' Nite...Yael and I are putting together a vegetarian meal from the cookbook I took out from the library last week or the week before. What difference does it make? (Reminder to self to bring up interesting point about evolution and time) Anyway, so we're gonna put something tasty together, just the two of us. I think I'll be hoodwinked into watching some Disney programs too-but I've got crafting to do so I can be physically present while still preserving a few Hannah/Miley, Raven, Zack, Cody, Moseby, Gabriella, Zack and cute Ryan-free wrinkles in ye olde grey matter. I do like the Jonas' Brothers music though, so their commercial/video breaks are always welcome. Girls Nite is fun, Yael and I spend a lot of mom/daughter, teacher/student time together, but these Fridays are all about having fun and just being girls. I know at the end of the week I can sure use some lighthearted fun-time, and I'm sure she's due some.

I created a MySpace page for Beau today, actually he created it I'm sort of a Proxy. Actually it was yesterday...again with the dates. Anyway, I'm not sure I recall clearly what initiated the memory of my imaginary friends/supplemental psyches but I've been thinking about them often and wondering what happened to them. I know they're in there somewhere. Looks up and to the right and says "helloooo" with inner voice, you know the one that sings songs from the radio that actually sound just like the artist? Only, the artist has replaced several lines of lyrical content with nonsensical banter? That one!...Beau is the medium for...well maybe not bringing them back, but helping me understand why I don't need them anymore or simply can't find them. I'm (Tameka, the Tea) MySpace phobic...I'm curious in the same way I always look at roadkill and even focus my inner macro lens to capture the detail, but it always sickens me in hindsight. Same thing with MySpace, there are all of these people-some that I know...well, even-exploiting (although they'll call it showing/telling) what is probably the saddest factions of their Earthly existence to an entire transparent universe! That is pretty scary, to be that vulnerable. Well Beau allows me to explore that side of the world from behind a veil. It's not like folks don't know its me-its that, its the me the folks don't know. The me that ate in the kitchen with Dinah when I was lonely and the me that is Monica that was the tough girl who'd take me me to the bathroom so that I could flush without being savagely attacked at the exact moment the sound would drown out my cries for help. Laughs. She was also not afraid of Sheba; my horny, totally psychotic Siamese cat. I kinda miss those guys sometimes. I guess when I met my hunk of funky-garbage-manning Prince, they just knew I was gonna be okay...

It is pretty late so if anything doesn't make sense check back later after I edit it but I'm going live with the post right now... see you in a bit...

Peaks in at 12:04...Not too shabby...I fixed an insane run-on sentence, but...well more run-on than my usual vernacular...otherwise a fine read.

I suck...I'm such an inconsistent blogger. I'd be better off if I could have some kind of implantation device that prints the warped and perverse images direct from the source. The time that I take to sit and entertain the masses distracts me from the voices that make it all happen. In short, I'm too busy thinking of things to do to get anything done...gotta love the human mind. (I said it, huh? I'm not so sure that I am human, but let's leave it be for today.)

So what's new? Pretty in Peace is rockin'! I have been averaging about a sale a day and while today I sold nothing, I did get my first wholesale inquiry and order...pauses for applause. It all works out in the end, folks. I think...hold on to that...

Jordan has just finished mastering his first release. I've got to pen his bio and get it up and then I'll post a link to all that is NEW! and wonderful in the life of a teen rapper. I've bittersweet thoughts on celebrity at every level, but with the right harnessing I'm confident that Jordan will keep his talent and ego in perspective. I'm impressed that he took the high road and opted against using Joe's influence and our already established label as a stepping stone. It speaks to his artistic integrity. I don't know that he has full awareness of how thankless the art world can be, but he shall soon witness the unveiling. (Yael places her foot on the side of the desk and requests I clip her toenails-talk about a thankless job...and now she is dropping crumbs all over the place)

Joe has done it again! I was already loving him way too much for an old married couple but then he assisted me in the daunting task of recovering Yael's bottom right incisor from a minute crumpled piece of toilet paper that was inadvertently discarded...in the trash! Yup, the coffee grind, soggy day old pasta and souring pesto sauce filled trash! I was all about it in theory but quickly came to the realization that this is probably not the kind of work I was cut out for and opting, in my mind-to just lie and say the Tooth Fairy took it but only had her debit card and will come back on Friday with the cash. Not too bad, eh. But to spare my eternal damnation (as, if) my dashing prince laughing manned that 33 gallon bag of funk like a true hero! Crowd cheering...He has done it again, he recovers the stinkin' little incisor and restored peace in the Valley. I love him more than words could ever explain and I know a lot of useless words. There is something to be said about the person whose happiness is contingent mainly on the lives of his wife and children and driving skills of those around him...and the lights being off...and the bills being up to date...and Jordan not using his "things", and the rocks not being scattered out front...and, well you get it.

So back to my initial thought which will also be my closing one. I think that my decision to embrace my artistic, autonomous, anarchist personality and not cower to the Blue man has done a girl good. I'm broke and I owe, but I'm happy and that is priceless. I think who I am really comes across in my Pretty in Peace designs and business practices. It isn't what I do that is rocket-science, but the thought of doing it. Every ridiculous idea that you've ever thought up is an opportunity worth taking. I'm not talking about some totally eco-threatening, sadistic insanity, but your dreams; the run of the mill musings of an active mind. It sure beats the hell out of busting your ass as the "do-er" in someone else's dream. We all know how that ends...you wake up, and do it all over again.

What did you do today? Yeah, I'm talking to you! I told you, I'm gonna be on your ass. If you should stop at the bodega today know that I will know! Holds right eyelid down with right index finger. I'm a good friend, aren't I?

Ugh! Not a good day! Okay perhaps I'm being a tad dramatic, better I say not a really good day, great day...whatever. I'm annoyed. When Joe is home the kids act like they have extra chromosomes (I'm really trying to be PC here, let's hope my readers know the ramifications of having and extra chromosome, it doesn't make for a superior intelligence, hint hint.) It's been one thing after another (says to and fro while drinking Skinny Dip and listening to Jamiroquai's Drifting Along-total vacation vibe to this song) today. I ate dinner while listnening to the soothing sounds of the fucking phone ringing incessantly, followed by the dulcet tones of "stop, shut-up, shut-up, stop, you started"! Teaching was a disaster and I've come to the realization that my biological clock is off because these guys seem to be awake far too many dark beer drinking chill out and watch the buffoon box moments! That my friends is the true definition of Seasonal Affective Disorder. It is the realization that it has been "night time" for 2.5 hours and your offspring are still in sight!

(Who is Nate James?! This guy is cool, I'm moving again I think I like chair dancing, head bobbing-he's like NEW! millenium Maxwell-I like this guy) Oh, I have been diligently working on my own radio station courtesy of Pandora.com-ths is the ultimate control freak's toy! And now Elliott Yamin's Alright-I love that Elliott Yamin, he is so soulful and musically yummy! I'm a total fan, he was my American Idol boyfriend-til that trollup guest starred and he was all starry eyed...whose daughter was she again...um...Donny Hathaway! I'm sure she's a nice girl, but she interrupted the season. And back to Jamiroquai...Okay so I have blogging ADD today, perhaps I'll try this again tomorrow. Oh before I go-I woke up to not one but two sales! Pretty In Peace is on fire-just not in the dry lands! The West Coast has it! Most of my buyers have been on my side of the globe, with the exception of the funky Canadians (they intrigue me, by the way-the amount they are willing to pay for books is astonishing) Ok ok gotta go, Remy Shand is calling...