Happy Fits of Delirium

A Hat for Mistress Wyatt

michellefennema — Tue, 27 May 2008 05:00:51 GMT

A Hat for Mistress Wyatt The daughter of a traitor, the executed Sir Thomas Wyatt, Her Majesty has restored the Wyatt's titles and lands and graciously allowed Jane to return to court. Since the Wyatt rebellion took place during Mary's reign and was to put Elizabeth on the throne, Jane is now in Her Grace's favor--but not all of the courtiers think highly of her. Jane must use her cunning and charm to win them over--which shouldn't be to difficult, considering she is played by our vivacious Amanda. Apple green velvet, hand-dyed burgandy trims, light-moss ribbon with hand-painted burgandy edges, olivine flower swarovski settings, burgandy and olivine 3mm swarovski crystals, light green pearls, burgandy ostrich feathers, burgandy turkey feather, light green mccaw feathers, olivine brooch. The plumes can be worn either in the front or the back (depending on Mistress Wyatt's mood).

A Giant Gracious Thank-you and a Wonderful Day at Faire

michellefennema — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 08:12:44 GMT

What a lovely week-end at faire! It was the kind of week-end that reminded me just why I do faire. Saturday morning set the tone for the entire week-end. I was backstage in my privies (aka chemise, corset, bloomers and knee-high stockings--the equilalent of an Elizabethan peep-show), when Alyson called the maids of honor (Jennifer, Linda, Rachelle, Lexie, Kelly) and Jimmy to huddle around. I figured it was our weekly "just so you know..." gathering to catch each of us up to speed on delicates we may have to snack on and to serve Her Majesty during glade stop, quick stage notes, gig ideas, etc...but I found them all looking at me. Curious. I believe I looked around and said something like "whoosey-whats-it?" and the next thing I knew I was seized by a sudden case of tourets ( I had no idea I had it) because Alyson had whipped out a gorgeous very large mahogany intricately tooled leather-bound sketchbook from behind her back, and I somehow formed the words "mother f*****" out of my mouth before my chin dropped to the ground. I couldn't believe it! I had been seized by a lustful desire for this amazing fine leather confection first week-end when I had seen it and drooled over it at the Under the Mango Tree booth (his work is absolutely luxurious, especially if you have a thing for books like I do), and yet here it was placed atop my trembling hands? Yes, it was the very same (there's a spot of drool here and there), and yet it wasn't my birthday, not even close. My arms automatically hugged the leather portfolio close to my body, and I had to blink back the tears. I would have been blissfully happy to spend the rest of the day in my privies, walking dreamily around faire with my head resting on it's edge, hugging this memento--this personification of my friendship with people I love dearly, who I am honored to have in my life. It got even better when I was instructed to open its binder to read the inscriptions from my benefactors--Rachelle, Linda, Jennifer, Josh, Kelly, Danny, Jimmy, Lexie, Alyson, Jess, Malcolm, Gar, and Annie. I was flabbergasted, and even at this point I don't know what to say. I cannot think of a way to even begin to thank each and every one of these people for this gift--to say it was thoughtful, generous, big-hearted, magnanimous, and loving does not begin to express the priviledge of being the recepient of this amazing gift. Nor does it convey the honor of having them and all the other people I love dearly grace my life. The universe has given me a great blessing by bringing such loving people in my life, and I am greatly honored to have such wonderful people consider me a friend. Thank-you. I promise to begin sketching again and to fill the delicious pages. After great convincing that the portfolio must be pryed from my arms in order to dress for the day, I set out looking to see what adventures the day had to offer. I was given the duty to pass out flowers during the first leg of progress, and as Lexie, Rachelle and I merrily gave them to children, I had a bit of an accident during the course of the parade. We were passing Clan and I jaunted out of the formation to give daisies to 2 of the little clan girls when I found myself belly down on the cement. I faintly recall skipping back into the parade when my foot snagged my fathingale, tangled itself into the malfuntioning bottom row of the steel boning, and unable to steady my footing, I totally ate it. I revel in the concept that the human body is so quick to defend itself without a moment's thought or hesitation--I began to fall (and damn, that must have been a hilarious look on my face. I giggle just to imagine it) and the next second I am flat on my front with my hands breaking the fall just enough so my face didn't smash itself on the pavement. It's a good thing Elizabethans wore so many layers of clothing, because I hardly felt a thing--all I have to show for it are a bruise on each knee and one of my right wrist...if only my silver goblet had been so lucky--it broke in half at the soldering point, and suffered a slight flattening of the cup. But I'm sure it will be easy to repair. Thankfully the progress continued without me, and Clan and Guard were quick to gather around me to help me up and grab all the non-period items that had spewed from my purse (you guys rock). Lexie and I caught up with progress as if nothing happened. As Lexie, Rachelle, and I were not on duty and therefore not required on stage, we took advantage of the oppurtunity to do something we've been wanting to do before--dance around and wrap the maypole. We had an absolute riot skipping around, weaving in and out, and braiding while doing the hay with the other ladies. I highly recommend it--I believe I spent the entirety of the event laughing. I'm looking forward to the next chance to do it again. Near the end of the day Josh, Beth, and I settled down to play cards and have a bit of gambling. We were visited by the Deptford Devils, and since I wear an orange hat, I was invited to play with them...I have no idea what they named me, but it was definately a good laugh (thanks!). Eventually the other maids returned to court and our card game of three turned into the gambling equivilent of the holy supper when two more tables were bumped up against ours and the maids and Brendon sat down to play. It was the perfect ending to a beautiful day. After 4 years, so far it was my favorite faire-day filled with perfect weather and some of my favorite people.

A Hat for Mistress Sydney

michellefennema — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:16:12 GMT

Mistress Mary Sydney is book-smart, clever, a well behaved maid of honor, a great poet...and yet a bit absent minded. Don't be surprized if she asks you if she's seen her quill and its tucked behind her ear, and admire her ability to read while dancing the Gratia di Amore. Mistress Sydney is protrayed by our charming and brilliant Alyson. Navy velvet, gold trim, light yellow ochre fresh-water pearls, ostridge plumes, a golden red top pheasant feather, wedgewood pear-shpes rhinestones, and a smoked topez glass rhinestone mounted on brass findings.

A Hat for Mistress Butler

michellefennema — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 06:48:09 GMT

It’s that time of year again--faire season! And as such, I have a couple of new hats for viewing. This emerald hat is wore by a gem of a beauty, our lovely, intellegent, and passionate Kelly who protrays a noblewoman from Ireland, Mistress Margaret Butler. Mistress Butler historically was sent to England to serve Queen Elizabeth by her cousin-in-law, who was the jealous wife of Mistress Butler’s cousin, the Earl of Ormond. It seems there may have been some canoodling between the Earl and Mistress Butler, and she wanted Margaret out of the country... Green taffeda, yellow ochre taffeda, white cultured pearls, 3mm smoked topaz and light topaz swarovski crystals, topaz rhinestones, black lace, ostridge blumes, coque feathers, and sterling silver findings.

Stale Popcorn and Dried Red Vines

michellefennema — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 06:50:13 GMT

The answers to the movie quiz: 1."And those are the words of a gentleman. From the first moment I met you, your arrogance and conceit, your selfish disdain for the feelings of others made me realize that you were the last man in the world I could ever be prevailed upon to marry." ~Joel was correct—Pride and Prejudice (Elizabeth Bennet of course! It's my default movie) 2. "Nothing? Nothing? NOTHING? Nothing, tra la la?" ~Labyrinth (Jareth to Hoggle) 3. "Me? I've had so many names. Old names that only the wind and the trees can pronounce. I am the mountain, the forest and the earth. I am... I am a faun. Your most humble servant, Your Highness. " ~Okay, this one was sort of tough, because it's a Spanish movie, but the quote was translated into english—Pan's Labyrinth (Fauno to Ofelia. Such an amazing and beautiful movie. If you haven't seen it Go—yes GO NOW to your local Blockbuster. Grab a box of tissues while you're out, too.) 4. "Water, my ass! Get this guy some Pepto-Bismol!" ~Spaceballs (no matter how many times I've seen it, this scene always makes me bust up laughing) 5. "Oh, it's nobody's fault but my own! I was looking up... it was the nearest thing to heaven! You were there..." ~An Affair to Remember (Terry—Deborah Kerr to dreamy Nickie—Cary Grant) 6. "Mawage. Mawage is wot bwings us togeder tooday. Mawage, that bwessed awangment, that dweam wifin a dweam..." ~The Princess Bride (Priest) 7. "Marriage, fun? Fiddle-dee-dee. Fun for men you mean." ~Gone With the Wind (Scarlett—I adore, ADORE, Vivien Leigh) 8. "The years spent in isolation have not equipped him with the tools necessary to judge right from wrong. He's had no context. He's been completely without guidance. Furthermore, his work - the garden sculptures, hairstyles and so forth - indicate that he's a highly imaginative... uh... character. It seems clear that his awareness of what we call reality is radically underdeveloped." ~Edward Scissorhands (Tim Burton is a God, just so you know. I weep every time I see this movie) 9. "I saw my last sunrise. I remember it completely, and yet I can't recall any sunrise before it. I watched its whole magnificence for the last time as if it were the first. And then I said farewell to sun light, and set out to become what I became." ~Interview With a Vampire (Ohhhh, Louie...<sigh> He's so sensitive and tortured. There are so many pretty men with long hair in this movie--what's a girl to do?!) 10. "I mixed a pot of fake puke at home and then I went to this movie theater, hid the puke in my jacket, climbed up to the balcony and then, t-t-then, I made a noise like this: hua-hua-hua-huaaaaaaa - and then I dumped it over the side, all over the people in the audience. And then, this was horrible, all the people started getting sick and throwing up all over each other. I never felt so bad in my entire life." ~Goonies (Chuck confessing while being threatened to have his hand pulverized in the blender. I watched this movie almost everyday during summer break when I was a kid). 11. "The last time I had a pap smear, the guy needed leather gloves and an oyster shucker." ~There's Something About Mary (Magda to Mary. In my humble opinion, the funniest movie EVVA). 12. "I'm a boy. I'm a boy. I wish I were dead. I'm a boy. Boy, oh boy, am I a boy. Now, what am I gonna do about my engagement present?" ~Dennis was right on--Some Like it Hot (“Daphne”--or “Geraldine” to “Josephine”) Of course Sammi knew it, it's on of her favorites too. Great minds? 13. "How could you allow it, How? How could you let your daughter take my place? Live in my house, carry my keys, and wear my clothes, pearls, pearls?" ~Very good, Christina! Fiddler on the Roof (Fruma Sarah to Tevye in his pseudo dream) 14. "I use antlers in all of my decorating!" ~Beauty and the Beast (Gaston) 15. "What was he wearing? Well, uh, let's see, he was wearing a red argyle sweater, and tan trousers, and red shoes... No, he's not retarded." ~Sixteen Candles (Just as Dennis said—Grandpa Howard describing Long Duc Dong to the police)

Let's go to the movies! Let's go see the stars!

michellefennema — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 07:08:22 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wftKf04N5r0 How to play: 1. Pick 15 of your favorite movies. 2. Go to IMDb and find a quote from each movie. 3. Post them here for everyone to guess. 4. NO GOOGLING/using IMDb search functions for the answers! 5. I'll post the answers soon. 1. "And those are the words of a gentleman. From the first moment I met you, your arrogance and conceit, your selfish disdain for the feelings of others made me realize that you were the last man in the world I could ever be prevailed upon to marry." 2. "Nothing? Nothing? NOTHING? Nothing, tra la la? " 3. "Me? I've had so many names. Old names that only the wind and the trees can pronounce. I am the mountain, the forest and the earth. I am... I am a faun. Your most humble servant, Your Highness. " 4. "Water, my ass! Get this guy some Pepto-Bismol! " 5. "Oh, it's nobody's fault but my own! I was looking up... it was the nearest thing to heaven! You were there... " 6. "Mawage. Mawage is wot bwings us togeder tooday. Mawage, that bwessed awangment, that dweam wifin a dweam... " 7. "Marriage, fun? Fiddle-dee-dee. Fun for men you mean. " 8. "The years spent in isolation have not equipped him with the tools necessary to judge right from wrong. He's had no context. He's been completely without guidance. Furthermore, his work - the garden sculptures, hairstyles and so forth - indicate that he's a highly imaginative... uh... character. It seems clear that his awareness of what we call reality is radically underdeveloped." 9. "I saw my last sunrise. I remember it completely, and yet I can't recall any sunrise before it. I watched its whole magnificence for the last time as if it were the first. And then I said farewell to sun light, and set out to become what I became." 10. "I mixed a pot of fake puke at home and then I went to this movie theater, hid the puke in my jacket, climbed up to the balcony and then, t-t-then, I made a noise like this: hua-hua-hua-huaaaaaaa - and then I dumped it over the side, all over the people in the audience. And then, this was horrible, all the people started getting sick and throwing up all over each other. I never felt so bad in my entire life." 11. "The last time I had a pap smear, the guy needed leather gloves and an oyster shucker." 12. "I'm a boy. I'm a boy. I wish I were dead. I'm a boy. Boy, oh boy, am I a boy. Now, what am I gonna do about my engagement present?" 13. "How could you allow it, How? How could you let your daughter take my place? Live in my house, carry my keys, and wear my clothes, pearls, pearls?" 14. "I use antlers in all of my decorating!" 15. "What was he wearing? Well, uh, let's see, he was wearing a red argyle sweater, and tan trousers, and red shoes... No, he's not retarded." This should be pretty easy...

An Unusual Request

michellefennema — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 06:48:22 GMT

Have you ever been asked "Do you know a good Crystal Healer?" or said "you really MUST visit my Reflexologist"? Ever raved about your Iridologist? I'm currently taking an Anthropology of Religion, Witchcraft, and Magic class (it's fascinating--I love this class) and our assignment is to visit an "alternative" healer (i.e. non-Western medicine) and either witness a treatment or be treated, and write about the experience. So if you can recommend a type of treatment or a healer available in the LA area, please let me know. I'm open to pretty much anything, and am willing to be poked at and...well, I don't know about proded--I realize it means the same thing as being poked, but I can't help but visualize an electric cattle prod. Healings may include (but not limited to): Chinese Medicine (acupuncture, herbal medicine, feng shui, qi gong) Indian healing (such as ayurveda) Pagan healing Aura-Crystal healing Reiki Reflexology Iridology Phrenology Thanks!

Introducing Bella (photos of the new crown)

michellefennema — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 06:34:40 GMT

Phew...finally finished. And not without a minute to spare! I was up until 3 am Thursday night working before I forced myself to bed (after hastily packing for my trip up to the Northern Cal faire to deliver the new crown). I finished glueing the spikes together and attaching them to the curves on the ride up with my friend Lexie. It didn't hit me until Saturday after faire had ended for the day this huge task was finally complete. I was so exhausted, there were actual tears involved. Such a strange feeling...being sleep deprived, worn out physically and mentally, and yet a great sense of accomplishment and relief. Mix in the awkward emptyness after it is out of your hands, and it's no wonder tears flowed. But it was a success and looked beautiful with Dre's new gown, and that gave me great joy. Approximate Time Stats of drafting pattern, creating velvet hat base, hand-dying antique lace in custom mixed colors, sewing on said lace, attaching metal findings, beading, and creating and attaching spikes (based only on the time I listened to movies, and does not include tv broadcasts such as The Simpsons, Malcolm in the Middle, House, or Southpark. Nor does it include fabulous shopping trips to the fashion district, fleas markets, the Costume College Marketplace, bead and antique stores): Sex and the City (the complete six seasons)--2820 minutes Jem and the Holograms (yes, I know I'm a dork, but I embrace my dorkiness!--all the released episodes on dvd)--1098 minutes An Affair to Remember--119 minutes Pride and Prejudice--129 minutes Spaceballs--96 minutes Under the Tuscan Sun--113 minutes The Princess Bride--98 minutes Total Running Time: 4473 minutes or 75 hours I will let Dre figure out the count of the pearls, findings, seed beads, crystals, etc. What I do know is there are 15 pieces of hand-dyed antique lace, an antique brooch, a large amethyst rhinestone in a found metal setting, and two decapitated earrings in the drop setting.

Her Royal Majesty's New Crown II (Or Dre's Crown 2--The Sequel)

michellefennema — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 09:20:10 GMT

There really is a fine line between gaudiness and beauty. And also a fine line between going bananas and sanity. I've been walking along both lines for the last 3 weeks. I now know how directors feel when asked to make a sequel. On one hand it's a great honor and joy to be asked to do something you love passionately. It's a wonderful compliment to your last masterpiece. On the other hand--whether you set the goal or the people around you do--there is an expectation that this next piece should at least equal, if not surpass the original. And people will automatically compare the two. That's what people do. It's human nature. As I mentioned before in the previous blog, I am my own worst critic AND a perfectionist, which has proved almost stiffling in the process of making this new crown. My current insecurity is creating a horrible sequel like The Matrix Revolutions (I wanted my 2 hour back), Teen Wolf II, or The Next Karate Kid that no one will want to look at. Yes, I know. I'm being silly. But that sensitive artist thing really isn't just a cliche. We put our hearts out there on the line for people to judge. Learning to accept and use constructive critism is another artform we have to perfect. I've been doing much staring at the crown. Changing this or that, just waiting for everything to fall into place. Taking photos of it in the sun as well as the shade, trying to determine if the crown is beautiful or down right ugly. And at times trying to resist the secret frustrated fantasy of throwing the crown in the street and backing my car over it several times ("kill kill kill kill crown crown crown crown"). But I can't. It's my kid. And let me tell you, it's been a difficult labor. By Saturday, I was ready to throw in the towel. I had gone to Joanne's the evening before with the crown in tow, jewels and such pinned on. The next morning I pulled the crown out of my bag, and the main piece--the $40 antique piece the whole crown was designed around WAS GONE. I checked everywhere--dumping the contents of my large bag and plastic containers on my bed. I looked through-out my car, made frantic phone calls to Joanne's asking if it had been turned in. Nothing. Checked the pile on my bed over and over. Nadda. Shit (and a whole lot of other cuss words). Fine. I had to come up with another solution. I gathered what I could, went on the balcony and tried to piece together a resourceful alternative. And I came up with something I liked better! Whooo-hoo! Went to the fashion district to buy what was needed to make this new part work. Only to discover another part from the crown was missing. More swearing. And trying really hard not to panic. Got home to look for the next missing item and--holy CRAP! There's the first missing $40 antique piece, sitting in a spot I had checked over and over! WTF? Am I losing it?! (NO Dre, it was not the squirrels. They're on my side. If anything they answered the desprete pleas uttered under my breath to find it). And thank-fully the other missing part was recovered from my car--it was hiding between the passenger seatbelt and the cushion. Phew... After more piddling around with the various parts and putting them together and taking yet more photographs, I called Brendon and he talked me off the ledge. As he is also an artist, he was able to look at the photos and give me some sound advice, helping me to dislodge the "artist's block" and assured me the crown is far from ugly. Since then I've been sewing trim and jewels on like mad, and today (well, okay--Sunday) things have finally began to click! The affair between the crown and I has crossed from arguments and frustration to the flirtation and "I think I'm in love with you" phase. Happy days! And I'm so excited about visiting Northern. Speaking of, if anyone has photos of Dre in her new gown, please forward them to me! I'm dying to see the full finished dress and hear stories about opening week-end.

My Mother is a Saint / Womb-ine Musings / 33

michellefennema — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 09:16:24 GMT

She really is. She's one of those rare individuals who are sincerely kind, thoughtful, giving, caring, and she loves whole-heartedly. She's also clever. Especially for going to the hospital in labor with me 2 days before I was born. Why? Because even a saint couldn't bear this kind of summer heat 9 months pregnant, and an air conditioned hospital sure would have been a happy alternative. Oh, she claims she was in labor those 36 hours, but I'm finally onto her. Crafty lady. But how the heck do women who bear Leos, Virgos and Libras do it? They must be crazy, saints, or just dumb. Perhaps giving birth to one of these signs is just plain worth it! I'm still sticking to her being a saint--I really lucked out in the mother--heck, family department. I absolutely adore and love my parents and my two sisters. We may have struggled financially, and I know it's a cheesy cliche, but we had plenty of love (yeah, it is now confirmed--it's even cheesier when you see it typed out. Ha-ha). This theme of a child within the womb was discussed over a leisurely lunch when my fabulous friends from work took me out to celebrate my birthday. As Jenny is also a Virgo and Minerva is 4 months pregnant and the 105 degree summer heat weighed heavily upon us, the topic was bound to come-up. A little musing (for it was hardly a debate) erupted between us over the word "womb" itself. (Did I just lose all the male readers?) I've always felt that it is used more in a poetic context, and usually refers to the uterus when it is either housing a child, is in the process of being fertilized, or has at some point. I've never referred to my uterus as a womb, for it has never held a fertilized seed within it. Nor do I consider my vagina in its current state a "birth canal". Sure, someday it might be. But now? Hardly. And it's not the medical term for the female organ. I've never heard of wombine cancer or a prolapse of the womb (though that too sounds poetic or metaphoric)...to which Jenny pondered--is "ine" the medical feminine? Uterine and ovarian...to which I wondered, is "wombine" where the word "woman" comes from? I know, bad. So yes, I'll be 33 on 9-3. As my obstinate organ Lefty so determinately pointed out, 3's are a re-occuring number in my life; 3 and her children 6 and 9. They show up everywhere--ss#, phone #s, student ID's, work ID's, driver's license, etc, etc...so to add to the complete gobbledygook of this silly blog and it's total lack of logic, I'll throw out 3 hearty cheers to lucky 33! May it be the happy beginning of a whole new era of my life--especially after cruel 32 stripped down 3 members of my self-made family and was at best, a "learning experience" full of rocky jolts and lightening bolts. Happy Birthday fellow Virgos!

Her Royal Majesty's New Crown I

michellefennema — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 08:01:16 GMT

Drafting of the new crown pattern is now complete! YAY! Damned troublesome head curves! (If it doesn't curve properly to the shape of your head Dre, we'll just have to scrape your skull down a bit. I'll make sure to bring my stone sculpting rasp, chisel, and mallet. Should do the trick). Now on to the construction phase of the project (I wonder when the warm liquid goo phase begins? Must be after the crown is complete and Cherie and I have our heavily spiked Bailey's butterscotch and Godiva chocolate pudding wrestling match.....yummmm....alcoholic based dessert...will you be there 2nd week-end Cherie? It would be a pleasure to FINALLY meet you in person, and we should celebrate our jobs well done together!) I really hope this crown comes out well--but then as a perfectionist AND a Virgo, I am my own worst critic. My goal is to make it more fabulous than the last one (pictured), but finding decent antique gold trim has been a real challenge now than Europa is no longer in business. That being said, I do adore a good artistic challenge and consider Dre's millinery pieces to be wearable sculpture. There's nothing more enjoyable than the processes involved in 3D art--concept, design, problem solving, gathering of parts (especially bead store and flea market shopping! Need more pearls? Poor me!), construction, re-working the design with what I have to work with, beading (the longest process--thank goodness for long movies like Gone With the Wind and BBC's Pride and Prejudice I can watch over and over), photographing the finished project, and viola! the final presentation. Hmmmmmm...why can't everyone be in the market for a crown? Then I could quit my humdrum day-job.

A Rave Review!

michellefennema — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 09:37:36 GMT

Joseph, who plays our dreamy Sir Walter Raleigh at Southern, commissioned a headdress from me for Christie, who plays his character's mistress, Elizabeth Throckmorton at the Bristol faire. She received her little package today at work, and wrote the following to Joseph: "I'm working at picking my jaw up off the floor. I had completely forgotten (about the gift)-- and it's STUNNING!!! Thank you. Thank you! I'm staring at this unbelievable thing that's mine and I get to wear. Thank you!!! I don't even.... I mean, I can't.... Holy CATS, it might be the most beautiful piece of millinery I've ever seen. Oh my god, you're incredible. I'm seriously tearing up right now -- Thank you!!!!!!" Well, gwaosh! I'm glad you liked it Christie! It's always a pleasure to receive praise for your art work when your sitting at your boring day job counting the remaining minutes. It put a spring in my step knowing she was so pleased. Now to Dre's new crown! From what I have heard, I've got my work cut out for me--the new gown is said to be spectactular! Cherie will be sending me the ultra-top-secret photos soon; I look forward to seeing them (and bragging that I'm one of the few to have seen the dress! HA!)

Dear God in Heaven, Buddha, Odin, Aten, Brian Froud's Fairies, and Every Other Holy Diety...It's Me, Michelle...

michellefennema — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 07:17:31 GMT

I have just learned of a most heinous prophecy, and I have come forth to you for your aid. Please, PLEASE tell me there is not a CGI movie of Alvin and The Chipmunks coming out starring Jason Lee. Please tell me You would not inflict more cruelty in a world already rift with disease, hate, malice, hardships and movies like Underdog. Please tell me that the money that would have been used to make this film was instead given to feed poor starving children and help those less fortunate around the world, and kept from the fat Americans who are blinded and amused by bad drivel entertainment. Please tell me that if this movie is made it will be unsuccessful and we will not have to hear Alvin and the Chipmunks sing the songs of great artists like Radiohead, Muse, Nine Inch Nails, Jim Croce, Nat King Cole, or even crappy icons like Brittany Spears and Justin Timberlake. Many of us here on earth are praying to You, oh Holy Ones, to spare us from having to hear the Chipmunks sing Christmas songs once again--was it not punishment enough the first time? Did we not already have to bear the unkind animal treatment of The Chipmunks by their adopted care-taker? Are chipmunks to be humiliated once again by bad animation and stupid characterizations of their species? Will we have to endure bad stero-types of The Chipmunks' girlfriends in their pink midriff bearing fashions? Are we to be irritated by "trendy" high-speed voices on the radio and bad online sites that will alter your voice to make you sound like a Chipmunk?! Say it isn't so. And please tell me there are not going to be re-designs of The Chipmunks so that they appear to be hip-hop gangster-cool with sun-glasses, zip-up pull-overs, hoodies, and sunglasses. That would truly make me have to burp in my napkin. I humbly ask, have we so sinned and are so morally corrupt that such chastisement is our due? Is this kharmic retribution? Could you not punish us by another means? How about The Hydra instead? I would sooner prefer my head being cracked open and have pins stuck in my brain than to sit through such impalement of the eyes and ears. At least grant me one favor in Your infinite kindness--I would be most gracious if You could spare Jem and the Holograms from suffering a similar fall from grace (and when will the remaining seasons be released on DVD?!) I say this in the name of Don Hertzfeldt, Tim Burton, Van Gogh, and pure-minded fellow artists who would rather starve and save their integrity than sell their souls to big corporations that produce mindless crap. Amen.

Costume College

michellefennema — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 04:42:02 GMT

You know you have WAY too much on your plate when you completely space it and almost forget something you've been looking forward to all year! Costume College is this week-end!!! DOH! I have been granted a scholarship to attend AND a fellow artist (Anne Hars) and my collaborated piece "A Dress Made Out of Fire" will be on display (Anne is wearing it above at a performance art show at the L.A. Contempory Exhibit). You also know you are too stressed when something as fun as Costume College makes you wonder if you have time to attend because it will only lead to more stress. How will I ever get all my commissions completed and continue to work full time? At least I can sew while I'm there. J--I'm hoping I will be able to complete W.R.'s mysterious gift to his mistress E.T. this week-end, if not by early next week! I'll write to you for your mailing address. B--Sorry, but this means no Potter again this week-end! Perhaps next? However, I may need to ask you for your earlier offer of your handy swordwork on that same client. The man drives me absolutely INSANE. He makes me want to jam a knitting needle into my ear everytime he calls my cellphone. Which is, oh, EVERYDAY! Good thing I don't actually own a knitting needle... ;-)

What Tarot Card Are You?

michellefennema — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 04:08:03 GMT

You are The Empress Beauty, happiness, pleasure, success, luxury, dissipation. The Empress is associated with Venus, the feminine planet, so it represents, beauty, charm, pleasure, luxury, and delight. You may be good at home decorating, art or anything to do with making things beautiful. The Empress is a creator, be it creation of life, of romance, of art or business. While the Magician is the primal spark, the idea made real, and the High Priestess is the one who gives the idea a form, the Empress is the womb where it gestates and grows till it is ready to be born. This is why her symbol is Venus, goddess of beautiful things as well as love. Even so, the Empress is more Demeter, goddess of abundance, then sensual Venus. She is the giver of Earthly gifts, yet at the same time, she can, in anger withhold, as Demeter did when her daughter, Persephone, was kidnapped. In fury and grief, she kept the Earth barren till her child was returned to her. What Tarot Card are You? http://www.flarn.com/~warlock/tarot/

An Unexpected Find

michellefennema — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 06:08:04 GMT

I'm listed as Production Designer in IMDb for a short film I worked on! (Photo of one of the sets above) Here is the link: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2663104/ I found it terribly amusing. I stumbled across it when a friend on myspace started a silly game where you put your name in google to see what comes up. I had no idea I was so famous! He-he. From what I can tell the director joined IMDb to promote her film and listed the crew's names. But it's still kinda cool. A little novelty, if you will. I wonder if I would have to join (i.e. pay) to add the other films, commercials, and countless PSA's I've worked on?

The Obstinate Organ (A Bedtime Story)

michellefennema — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 17:52:17 GMT

(Or at least a story that took place while I should have been in bed) Once upon a time there lived a kidney named Lefty who resided within the body of Michelle. Lefty grew bored of Michelle's inner melodramas involving complicated relationships and their disintegration, her confusion about lack of artistic direction, and whining about her day-job not being in the art field. But when she posted a blog about her heart versus her head, Lefty had HAD it! That was the last straw! How dare she forget the third element? GUTS! Did she not realize her life revolved around 3's (born on the 3rd day of the 9 month--3x3x3, the oldest daughter of 3 sisters, etc) and as such, there is always a third dimension!? She worked 3 dimensionally after all--and though that may make little sense to us, it sure meant much to Lefty. DAMN HER! Without guts, head and heart are just whining little wimps who make no progress in life. How could those 2 pontificaters make it anywhere without the bravery of guts to take the first and last step? So Lefty tried to stage a revolt with the other members of the Gut Committee, and since few of them had much spine, they all declined except for Righty (Lefty's side-kick) and Bladder. Together they planned to put Michelle back in her place and make her remember the importance of Gut Feeling by literally making her sides ache, as well as her front and back. And oh! how she hurt, whimpered, and whined, then hurt some more when diagnosed with a kidney infection. Lefty laughed out loud when she took antibiotics and the infection went away, because Lefty's revenge wasn't complete! Oh, no! Lefty continued to ache when she went to work and school, until finally she went back to the Urgent Care, then the ER, got a CAT scan, and at 3am discovered Lefty's cruel and unruly joke! Kidney Stones! HA! And though Lefty is filled with the satisfaction of knowing Michelle now understands the importance of Gut, Lefty suffers from slight remorse, for now there is nothing to be done but to wait for Michelle to pass the painful stones and to catch them in the latest and greatest fashion accessory--the stone catcher (not to be confused with the dream catcher) or otherwise known as the pee funnel (coming soon in a variety of fashion styles). And in anticipation of the great pain, Extra Strength Vicodin has been prescribed, which makes Lefty feel some guilt, because Lefty merely meant to illustrate it's importance in the grand scheme of things, and in hindsight, may have taken the revenge business a little to far.

The Grime Reaper Has Left the Building...

michellefennema — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 21:53:47 GMT

I am finally on my return voyage to the land of living. The Grim Reaper's been watching over me, sitting at the foot of my bed and poking my midsection annoyingly with the handle of his scythe (he's such an ass!) And though I still hurt and am mostly bed-bound, it is such a joy to be back; it's funny how an illness can make you appreciate the blessing of good health. I've been sick with a horrible UTI since Monday evening, and on Wednesday things got worse when I woke-up feverish, delirious, and aching from head to toe--every inch of my body hurt as though I had the flu. My head panged as though I had a migraine, and my head felt conjested--my sinuses raw, my torso felt swollen and broken. I stood up to go to the bathroom only to have by legs buckle underneath me, finding myself back on the bed. My head reeled, I got up again, stumbled and made my way to the bathroom, holding onto the walls, dresser, anything for support. When I got up to return to the bed, I could feel the sudden heat to my head, the room spinning, and darkness--I rushed as quickly to the bed as I could, knowing I was about to faint--I made it in the nick of time, trying to settle the nausea with deep breaths even though each one made my midsection and back throb, closing my eyes to complete the darkness, my hearing fading until I could barely hear the sound of the leaf-blower outside. I felt so helpless and alone--frightened, yet delirious. While shivering from fever I giggled at myself for imaging I was the mother in Cugo, needing water and food, yet unable to get out of the car and into the kitchen to get it. I'm happy to say at least in this I found much amusement. I discovered an old bag of bread by my bed as well as an apple and a nearly empty bottle of water. It took all of my strength to get the cap off the bottle, I was so weak. I was mercifully driven to an urgent care by my ex where we waited. And waited. My head rested against the cool wall trying to find my happy place while the full waiting room seemed to swell and shrink, the childrens' shrill voices and cries making me more naseated and my head pound. I eventually got into a room, was poked in several places and reminded by the nurse I have crappy veins while she tried (and failed) to get blood from me (eventually another nurse came in to draw it from my hand). An inch long IV needle was inserted and I was given an antibiotic and saline interveniously. After 4 hours I was released and diagnosed with Acute Pyelonephritis, a bi-lateral kidney infection. Thursday was much of the same thing minus a fever and more centralized pain, as well as a return to the UC for more IVs. After several days of bed-rest, much boredom and frustration over my body's limitations in not allowing myself to work on my commissions, I am finally on the road to recovery! I can't sit up for long periods yet without pain, and it still takes me 30 minutes to open a stupid gatorade bottle (is there a "sick" variety I'm supposed to be drinking that opens easier? I swear, right now I must be drinking the athelete's flavor that only healthy people can open--but at least it no longer takes me an hour to get the lid off the damned thing!) I am very happy that I'm getting better, and look forward to being good as new and able to dance around again. I'm tired of being sick and indoors, but am hopefull I will be free soon and ever so thankful for good health--something I frequently forget to feel grateful for! I hope the door hit Death's ass on his way out. Such a bastard.

Rumble, RUMBLE, RUUUUMMMBLE!!!

michellefennema — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 07:56:34 GMT

Tonight's match: Head vs. Heart I have a constant internal battle between head (logic/reason) and heart (dreams/emotion), and it is very frustrating--I can never seem to make a decision; and when I do, I second guess myself and wonder if I made the right choice. And because I have a tendency to wear coke-bottle-thick-rose-colored-glasses and live in La-La-Land, I usually choose heart over logic and make stupid mistakes like going to a VERY expensive private art school only to receive a monthly bill for a student loan there is no way I can pay. ARG! But to live a logical life without hope and dreams is a dreary life indeed. I feel as though if I give up too much heart I'll loose some creativity. But then I end up getting hurt because there are too many stars in my eyes and the illusions prove to be sharp when reality sets in and I realized I've just been fooling myself. There must be a happy medium. It's like having an angel and a devil on each shoulder--only I have no idea which one is which. I keep waiting for the day the angel and devil will see the giant anime sparkles in one another's eyes and realize they are madly in love, clasp hands firmly, and skip into the sunset together. Perhaps Head and Heart will no longer be black and white and blend together to form a charming French Grey #5. One can only hope...or, er...reason...

Epoch II (an update)

michellefennema — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 23:02:05 GMT

After a week of much sawing, filing, grinding, sanding, smoothing, blackening, and polishing, Epoch will soon be complete (YAH)! It’s hard to believe that white chuck of rough metal is now a gleaming piece of sterling silver! I just need to set the pearls in place and weave some silver wire into the design, and happy days! it will be finished (if only my own transformation and changes were so easy and I knew exactly what steps to take in order to complete it! I still have much sanding, smoothing, and polishing to do in order to get myself out of my own grind. All in due time, yes?) I am slightly vexed that the sanding took some of the details of the nest out, but c’est la vie! Things don’t always come out the way you anticipate, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be fabulously happy with the unexpected results! I’m trying to figure out what type of bird’s nest it represents—but now I’m bordering on being silly… I will post images once I’ve turned in the project. I’m now also working on a ring with a stone in a bezel setting. The design is a dragonfly with wings that wrap around the finger. I was so proud of myself for all of the successful sautering I completed with a blow torch last night! Tomorrow I will be in the lab all day trying to get both projects completed so I can make a few stone bezel-set pendants for myself and friends before class ends next week. Damn, this was a cool class. I highly recommend it if you live in the Pasadena area.

Epoch

michellefennema — Thu, 24 May 2007 00:00:29 GMT

In lei of all of the changes in my life over the last year, I decided to use to my advantage a project in my jewelry class to make a piece that is more meaningful to myself. The project itself is to sculpt a ring out of wax that will then be cast in sterling silver. So for the last 3 weeks I’ve been carving away at the wax, last week I finally attached the wax sprues and made the vestment (mold made out of plaster inside of a metal flask), and last night I finally did the actual silver casting! It was amazing! The wax model once in the vestment is placed in a kiln and fired at 1200 degrees in order for the wax to melt and run out, leaving a place for the silver to cast. The flask is then taken out of the kiln while hot and placed in a centifuge. A torch is then used to melt the beads of sterling silver (which when melted is beautiful—like refective mercury), and once melted the brake on the centrifuge is released and as it spins for about 2 minutes, the silver is forced inside the mold by gravity. After the centrifuge stops, the flask is taken out with tongs and held under water while it bubbles and froths. Eventually the flask cools and the ring can be pulled out of the deteriated mold, and viola! You have a black, rusty-iron like object that once cooled (and pickled) is a white rusty-like object—like a diamond in the rough. I have much work on it to do—the sprues will be sawed off and filed, and the entire surface will need to be sanded and buffed before it will be presentable and actually look like silver again (it’s funny how one could parallel all the processes of the ring to events in one’s own life). My concept for the piece? Epoch— a time marked by an event that begins a new period or development. The ring is a tiny bird’s nest sitting on branches that wrap around the finger (very art nouveau in design), and set inside the nest will be three pearls that look like eggs. They will symbolize 3 hopes--Health, Love, and Success. Here’s to a fresh start!

Roar (well at least a loud meow)

michellefennema — Fri, 18 May 2007 22:34:08 GMT

A woman’s tiny triumph I know this is a terrible stereotype—and you might think me pathetic, but I changed my own tire today! I’m very proud of myself. And just so you know, I’m not of those weak women who shy away from society’s old fashioned roles of what is considered a masculine duty. I know the difference between a band saw, radial arm saw, table saw, drill press, pliers, screwdriver and a Phillips, thank-you very much. And don’t give me any crap because as an artist I’ve used them all with much skill—I’m proud to own a dremel and a drill—and dream of someday having my own shop full of “men’s equipment”. And yes, I have had a flat tire before, but every time a man would pop out of the woodwork and change it for me. Not today. I’m 32 and have finally changed my own tire. I’m very proud of myself. It may have taken me a while to do it (I realized too late you need to have the flat tire on the ground to unscrew the bolts— I had to lower the car again), but I learned much from the experience (and found a really cool dead insect in the spare tire that I can use in my artwork)! And might I add--what better way than to spend the morning than in a tire store! Are you with me? Oh, the smell, look, feel, sounds, and even the delightful taste of the rubber in the store. Throw in some rap or country music, and I’d be in my own personal hell. At least they had last month’s hunting magazine—I needed to catch up on my reading while listening to Paradise City.

Okay, so the cool kids might like me...

michellefennema — Sun, 13 May 2007 05:58:23 GMT

Wow! This is my first Tribe post (I'm not-so-secretly a myspace girl). And since everyone else is DOING it, I thought I'd try to fit in and do the mind-test thinga-ma-bob. Although, now it's days later and probably isn't as hip and trendy (and I may be dooming myself forever as being sooooooo four days ago), I will boldly take the risk and post my results anyway. Enjoy. Your Brain Usage Profile: Auditory : 27% Visual : 72% Left : 27% Right : 72% Michelle, you possess an interesting balance of hemispheric and sensory characteristics, with a slight right-brain dominance and a slight preference for visual processing. Since neither of these is completely centered, you lack the indecision and second-guessing associated with other patterns. You have a distinct preference for creativity and intuition with seemingly sufficient verbal skills to be able to translate in any meaningful way to yourself and others. You tend to see things in "wholes" without surrendering the ability to attend to details. You can give them sufficient notice to be able to utitlize and incorporate them as part of an overall pattern. In the same way, while you are active and process information simultaneously, you demonstrate a capacity for sequencing as well as reflection which allows for some "inner dialogue." All in all, you are likely to be quite content with yourself and your style although at times it will not necessarily be appreciated by others. You have sufficient confidence to not second-guess yourself, but rather to use your critical faculties in a way that enhances, rather than limits, your creativity. You can learn in either mode although far more efficiently within the visual mode. It is likely that in listening to conversations or lecture materials you simultaneously translate into pictures which enhance and elaborate on the meaning. It is most likely that you will gravitate towards those endeavors which are predominantly visual but include some logic or structuring. You may either work particularly hard at cultivating your auditory skills or risk "missing out" on being able to efficiently process what you learn. Your own intuitive skills will at times interfere with your capacity to listen to others, which is something else you may need to take into account.