Journals, Conferences, and the possibility of travel

My shop is now open!

awfullybigadventures.etsy.com

And I've already made two sales. With the shop open I don't see much in that way of hope for my kitchen table getting any cleaner, but I do see the potential for some books to be made. I recently made two out of green with slightly lighter green text pages. I'm also looking in to experimenting with the fabric from a broken umbrella to make something slightly waterproof. I just have to determine the best way to accomplish that.

My work for FOCUS, a conference for children's educators, is picking up rather quickly. This past week I worked in the office and we got the workshop descriptions I had been editing ready for and then up on the web. The final web preparation was an all day affair. complete with a lot of editing and moving things around and pdfs. Next on the list is assisting in room assignments for the actual conference and then beginning to pull the program book together. I foresee some long days ahead.

Despite the project requiring a lot of time (and much more to come), I've really enjoyed working on it and hope to find more like it in the future. I've had the opportunity to write and edit content for the website, e-mails, and other publicity; I'm hosting a facebook group for the event; I will have the opportunity to compile and work on the program book; and I'll be attending the event and just discovered I'll be in charge of taking care of the exercise groups. Each task is unique and challenging in its own way and has given me the opportunity to see how much I enjoy this type of work.

Workshop Descriptions

Also, I'm hoping to plan some sort of travel in the near future. Any ideas?

awfullybigadventures.etsy.com

I'm finally in the process of opening up my Etsy journal store! I've been working on this for a few months, making books and refreshing on the different techniques I learned in my class in Italy. I spent yesterday evening sewing a few more single signature books and one Japanese style with newsprint that turned out pretty nice. I'm also in the process of making a custom wedding guest book and photo signature book for my friend Julie's wedding.

It feels great to be back in the bookbinding swing of things except that my apartment is too small and is now a complete mess! I have taped bricks on the dining room chairs and paper across the table and glue on the counter and a stack of books on my couch to keep them from getting lost amidst supplies. Paper, glue, paper knife, awl, string, ribbon, scissors, pens, exactos, rulers. They are everywhere. I've never had so much trouble finding a spot to photograph.

I'm sitting on the floor between my "dining room" and kitchen right now typing this because there's no where else to sit. I'm taking my computer with me to work so I can work on typing descriptions and editing photos. I need space!

She calls me Sarah...

I was working last night, closing. We have this customer we occasionally refer to as Crazy Mary who comes in and sits and talks to everyone around her and won't leave until you walk her to the door at close. I dread her coming in. I see her come through the front door, and I bolt to the back room to avoid getting stuck in a long conversation of smiles and nods and "Alright Mary, I've got to get back to work." But people seem much more eccentric when you are ignorant of their situation.

Last night we were slow and our cafe was mostly empty when Mary arrived. She talked to me briefly, mentioning multiple times how empty the place seemed then proceeded to the back where she sat down. When I told her we were closing and she had to leave, she seemed sad and lonely, and I saw, for a short moment, how she's not all that crazy, but mostly lonely. She comes to our store because she can sit there and drink a mocha and usually find someone to listen to her, if even half-heartedly.

Perhaps Crazy Mary is really just a lonely woman who finds its easier to talk to herself than no one at all.

Driving and Public Transportation

I don't really like driving. Dependency on vehicles is also costly and nervewracking when people drive like maniacs! But in a city like Nashville, you can barely make it if you don't drive. The Public Transportation is abominable. City buses have infrequent pick-ups and, unless I'm wrong, there is only one Public Transportation option other than the bus and it's a train that comes into Nashville from one direction only. I've ridden the buses. Last year I volunteered at the Nashville Public Library and happened to live in easy walking distance from a bus stop and the Library happened to be, fortuntately, also on a bus stop. I hopped on the bus and avoided dealing with traffic myself.

Even if I could walk places, just a few places even, I'd be happier with it. Unless you live in the expensive downtown or more downtown areas you have to deal with driving and parking. I long to live in a city with better Public Transportation. I long to pull my car into my residence and leave it parked all week long, walking to work or riding a subway or train.

Etsy Shop Coming Soon!

It's raining out which has made it especially difficult to wake up and get to work the past few days. I'm beginning to fear I've loaded up my plate perhaps a little too well. I've been working diligently on my projects for FOCUS. I've written and edited some of the info on the website (including this info on Networking) and created a flier which should be nearing completion soon. I'm also in charge of a Facebook group and the program book which will become a bigger priority a little closer to the event.

I have one final piece to turn in for graduate school applications and then they will be officially complete, which means only one thing: WAIT. Ben told me yesterday how miserable he found the waiting game, wondering each day if a letter, good or bad, might be waiting in the mailbox. I feel almost as if I'm 18 again, arriving home from school each day and rushing out to the mailbox where a letter might be waiting with my future written inside. This time is different though. Scarier.

In the meantime, I've purchased a book to refresh my Italian, I'm taking a Photoshop class that begins in a week and a half at the art school in town, and I'm working on books for my future Etsy Shop, all while maintaining both my job at Starbucks and my work with the General Board of Discipleship.

Focus

About a month ago I began a new job working as an independent contractor for the General Board of Discipleship in Downtown Nashville. I'll be working basically as an event assistant for a conference in July - FOCUS. The conference is for those in ministry with children. I'll be writing, editing, and doing some graphic design for the event. I'm excited about this opportunity and can't wait to put up some of my work as well as other new writings.

My hope is to turn this blog into something a bit more professional - a virtual portfolio/resume. Let me know if you have any advice or suggestions. Future posts may be personal, but also geared toward my writing and design specifically. After all, writing is the adventure that started this to begin with.

Happy Monday, and look forward to more frequent posting.

-Jessica

I Voted.

As far as I know the official results are not yet in. I'm not too concerned about the presidential race really. At the last election I couldn't keep my eyes off the polls, but I have since become rather apathetic or, in the least, lackadaisical. I just have a hard time putting my vote behind anyone who's spent millions of dollars promoting 1) their own moral goodness (if it were anyone else, wouldn't we just want to figure that out for ourselves?) 2) mudslinging their opponent (which should cancel out #1, but never manages to do so?) and 3) the idea that they'd spend American tax dollars wisely. I'm fairly certain those millions of dollars would have been much better spent digging America out of debt and paying for all those new government programs everyone seems to be promising the people. But I'm just saying.

I did vote; I cast my ballot. But I can't say if I agree with the process.

Short Red-Eye in a Tall Cup with Chocolate Powder, One Raw Sugar, and Half and Half to the Top

I had one of those this afternoon so I could wake up to write this entry. Actually I was eager to have a full day that started at 4am. Unfortunatly I did end up spending about an hour and a half watching Bones, this tv show on dvd my roommate borrowed from some of our friends. It's addicting, just like coffee.

Today was the first day of fall, the perfect day to enjoy a warm drink. Technically Autumn begins in September, but today felt like fall, like the first day you want to take that deep breath of fall air and go jumping into leaves. At 4:30 this morning it was frigid, but by the afternoon when I was struggling to stay awake to enjoy it, the temp was around 68.

Newest addictions:

Bones
Coupons
Sleep
Comfy shirts
Chuck
Studying my GRE words: "Don't be fractious and cause a fracas; try and be convivial, but don't be bombastic by only speaking in the argot of your field. It's boorish." (Try translating that! And it's not even Italian.)

Also, my beautiful niece had surgery on Tuesday. She's in recovery. The beautiful little thing is surely a trooper. Read more... Edentruthcarroll.blogspot.com

Not all adventures are pure fun.

I have never understood before how certain experiences can make one re-evaluate their own existence. I never imagined I'd be working not 30 feet from where a 24-year-old pizza delivery guy was robbed, shot, and killed. I never knew how I'd feel in the aftermath of such an event. I know now.

The Poignant 'Aha'

I always laugh when I see regular customers of Starbucks at other coffee shops. We always smile at each other once we realize who each other are. I can't go to the Frothy Monkey without running into a regular, and I just discovered I can't go to Bongo Java without seeing a co-worker. Coffee is an addiction.

Speaking of which... I'm at Bongo Java, but I have to leave in about fifteen minutes to go to Starbucks. My life does not lack caffeine, which is probably why I haven't been able to sleep well lately. I get so tired and then in the morning I wake up but not fully. I toss around for a while before I can really open my eyes. It's annoying. Perhaps I should try giving up caffeine for a while. That'd be crazy.

Currently in the works: Grad School.

I've been out of school now for four months, and I must admit: "I hate it." I'm actualy a little jealous of my friends and co-workers who are still in the classroom. Thus, I have excellent motivation for getting on top of graduate school applications and also, yes... the dreaded GRE. I finally buckled down and purchased a vocabulary workbook which I've already begun pounding through. I'm debating signing up for a class, but I'm not sure enough of the programs I'm looking to apply to even require the test. A few do though including one I found today that is hitting the top of my list. Currently on the list:

Oregon State
Portland State
Indiana University
...and possibly a school in Colorado which I can't find in my grad school notes at this moment.

The list is sure to fluctuate as I narrow down or expand exactly what kind of program I'm looking for. I'm still debating the MFA option, but as of right now am heavily leaning toward a program that offers an MA in creative writing of the more traditional MA in Composition and Rhetoric. The end goal, for those of you who don't know, is teaching writing at a university level. I just want to go to school forever I suppose.

A little clip I wrote in half and hour...

Gadget came bounding up the sidewalk to the step. He had only just seen the bird reach the branch and was determined to bring him down. (No one could make him believe he was a creature of inferior tree-climbing ability.) He sat down below the bottom step, pawing the air, trying to picture how his maleficence could reach new heights. Run at the tree, leap up the trunk of the tree, climb onto the branch all while remaining silent. The plan was infallible. Then all that was left was to sneak down the branch and storm upon the nest.

He readied himself for the attack just as he heard a susurration from within one of the shrubs that lined the porch. His ears perked, his head turned, searching for the spy. Electrolytes stirred in his veins, causing a tremble of excitement. Should he go on with the plan or risk attempting this task when the cat could be watching? He looked at the tree, then back at the shrubs, then back at the tree. The bird peered over the edge; the rustle of the shrub willed him to try and dared him to fail.

He readied himself once more, rising on all fours and glaring into the base of the trunk. He started at a trot, moved into a gallop, then darted at full speed running vertical up the trunk, grabbing hold of the branch with his two front paws. He had made it, but only barely. He had not put on such a farce since January’s incident with the snow. With all his might he pulled himself upward, swinging his legs down the branch, hoping to grab on. The branch shook; the leaves rustled.

Gadget let out a whimper as the cat bounded up the trunk and onto the branch above him, mocking his feeble mission. The bird, seeing both Gadget and the cat invading his branch, gave up his perch and flew into the shrubs. Gadget, unable to hold on any longer to the branch and fearing the cat’s ruthless mockery, let go of the branch, accepting his failure. The cat, feeling superior to both the cowardly bird and foolish Gadget, sauntered down the branch which creaked and cracked more loudly with each forward step. The bird began building a new nest but did not watch, Gadget sashayed to the backyard but did not bark, and the cat did not notice until he went soaring uncontrollable to the ground to the mocking laughter of the successful Gadget.

Living with Cats

I have officially moved in with two cats, a missing closet door, blinds that don't work, a litter box, a broken porch step, and internet that doesn't seem to want to work. Not the best of situations at the moment to say the least, but I'm making do.

I am glad to finally have a day off of work after working 7 straight days while moving! I would NOT recommend anyone attempt this activity as it is extremely dangerous. I haven't been quite that drained in a LONG time. Drained and exhausted and living with shedding creatures.

Life can be terrifying, but then I'm sitting outside at a coffee shop drinking fruit tea because the internet at my new place refuses to cooperate, and I can't help but remember that life is also beautiful! And I am, despite the current less-than-perfect situation, pretty darn blessed.

Life is really one GIANT adventure.

I graduated from college a few weeks ago and since then I've been working at Starbucks where I've been a barista since January. As I was getting in my car the other day after a long 8 hour shift on my feet, I was feeling rather exhausted. But as I tossed my purse into the front passenger seat and let out a sigh I realized something, or felt it I suppose. I realized that through the drudgery of working to get by and pay my bills and in the midst of feeling like maybe I should be looking for a job with a salary, I was in fact on the sort of path that may lead me to where I truly wish to go. I've been taking a risk, pursuing a direction of which I am terrified. I want to be a writer. And I know that if I were to look for a stable job with normal hours and perhaps even the comfort of salary, I'd be stuck. I know my own weakness for such traps, and through all that I've been heading toward as a writer I have learned that sometimes I must simply avoid the trap altogether and do whatever takes me a different way.

And so, as scary as it is I'm living with shaky ambitions and uncertain objectives, hoping that just maybe the writing will happen and I'll make it to grad school or I'll write something someone wishes to read - because I could take the easier road and use my "degree" directly, but then again I couldn't. I couldn't because I haven't chosen that way and that way has not chosen me.

And I feel free.

I need a muse

Earlier today I was visiting Papa at the hospital (he had heart surgery, but he's looking great!), and he was asking me if I'd posted lately, so just for him, I'm posting... and because I'm very much in need of an update, though there is little to actually update.

I ventured to Washington last week to see Autumn get married. She was, of course, positively beautiful. Overall, I suppose it was a good trip, though rather exhausting. I rode some ferries which is always a plus because I love ferries. And Ben and I saw some of the city: Pike Place, Pioneer Square, Bainbridge (via the ferries), Capitol Hill.

But now I am back in the city and ready to start my job on Monday morning, bright and early. I shall be working for Midtown Printing, just down the road, and frankly, I'm pretty excited. I'm thinking it's going to be a good job, with which of course, I can't argue. Hopefully I'll get to do some fun stuff.

I've also started painting, which is a little strange, because I don't actually know how to paint, but nonetheless, I enjoy it. I'm trying to put together some books from Italy and Europe, but they are causing some problems. I can't seem to get my ideas together. We'll see. I made some progress today, and hopefully I can order some prints of photos soon and get the ball rolling.

Hopefully I'll have more to post later. For now... enjoy the sunshine and be sure to check out the flickr photos of Seattle!!

Summer in the City

So, as of right now I'll be spending my summer in Nashville. I wanted to move to Raleigh and live with Steph, but alas, I shall stay here. Most likely this will end up being a good thing considering that in the past year I have lived in four different places! I moved from Bruin Hills to Hendersonville to Florence and then back to Music City.

Right now I am looking for a much needed job. My goal is to have a job set before I leave next week for Washington to see the lovely Autumn Rose get married! Insanity. My college roommate is getting married. I feel old. So, next Wednesday I'm going on another mini adventure. I will say, that's one plus to getting old. Since I've been back from Europe, I've still been able to go on adventures, and once I get a job and have an income I plan on taking a few more. First, this little trip to the Northwest and then hopefully at least two road-trips to North Carolina to see the sister. Maybe I'll fit a little trip to the beach in there, but I'd need to find somewhere free to stay, or free transport, but it's more likely I'll find somewhere free to stay. Maybe I'll just go to the beach while I'm in North Carolina, or maybe I just won't go to the beach, but I'll go to Amish country again!

The important thing, though, is still the job, and thus the income. Darn. I like working, if the job is good - it keeps me busy. But I hate job searching; it makes me so nervous. Anyways, I have some good leads, and I'm pretty excited about trying to find a job that does not require all weekends and nights. I'd love to work weekdays!

So, we'll see, and perhaps I'll attempt to be more dedicated to updating. Wouldn't that be unusual.

I'm getting old.

I should be finishing my paper on The Secret Life of Bees, but instead I'm writing a long-awaited post to the much-forgotten blog. I've officially lost all motivation to finish this semester, which can mean nothing good, considering I still have the following assignments to complete:

1 8-10 page research paper for Faith in Southern Contemporary Literature
1 packaging design project for fictional company 'Sweet Tooth'
1 final paper for my stupid third year writing class
1 reflection essay on my class participation
1 final examination on Faith in Southern Contemporary Literature
1 group presentation on certainty and ambiguity in current religious thought
1 journal on something I'll have to look up when the time comes to write said journal

Somewhere I'll have to pick up some motivation. If only you could add that to your coffee - instead all I get is shots of peppermint to add to my latte, a concoction I thought I'd enjoy much more than I actually do. I suppose I should just stick with mocha for the time being.

Anyhow, no more classes this semester, just the above mentioned final exams, papers, and presentations. As of Monday of next week, I'll officially be a Senior in College, which might just be the craziest thing ever. Well, maybe not ever. I felt something similar to this after my sister got married - something like disbelief. When did I suddenly get so old? Someone tell me the answer to this question.

When I have the time...

Summer Book List:

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (July 21st) by J.K. Rowling
Digging to America by Anne Tyler
Breathing Lessons by Anne Tyler
In the Company of the Courtesan by Sarah Dunant
Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
The Beloved by Toni Morrison

When I have the time...

La Primavera

Oh, spring hath come and summer hath battled and won. Today was hot and a bit humid, but the shade was nice, so I suppose summer hasn't won the fight altogether.


Here's the deal: I've been working at this language center on campus since the semester began. The purpose is to tutor/help people with Italian, but as of now, I've helped/tutored no one. So, instead, the computer entertains me, and I pretend that I have two hours to do homework. These two hours are rarely actually filled with homework doing, but occasionally I read, which makes up approximately 50% or more of my homework. I went to Borders yesterday and bought 3 books, none of which will be read in their entirety. So unfortunate. Not unfortunate that I purchased them - unfortunate that I had to spend money on bad literature.


Right now, I'm missing the cobblestone streets and walking by the Arno after class and watching the sunset over the apartments across from the steps of the Santa Croce. This guy one night when I was in Florence told me about the crazy symbolism in the Architecture of Florence and the one thing I remembered and went to find out about was he said it was significant where the Dante statue in that piazza pointed. I did it once. I went to the foot of that statue and looked out to where the Dante was looking and it was right at the Palazzo Vecchio, which was the seat of government. This signified a relationship between the church and the government. Not sure why it's significant right now, to me, in this post, but I was just thinking about that day I went and stood at the feet of the statue of Dante in the Piazza di Santa Croce. I'd go there right now if I could.



view from the steps of Santa Croce.

Magnolia Trees

Tonight I climbed a magnolia tree with a girl from Pennsylvania that I had met only a few hours earlier and with whom I ate spaghetti. We hung out about half way up the tree chatting about Europe. Then she left and went to Florida. Good story, huh? It really happened. And now I'm here on my bed avoiding the fact I have to read Parzival that might just be in the top five things I've been forced to read since being in college. Actually it might be the top of that list. Also I need to read something about food probably - don't ask. If you do ask, I'll tell you, but you will regret you ever asked.