I art, and I art well.

It was going to be awesome. I was going to be the next Warhol – but with less screen printing and drugs.

I was going to spend a few years in art school, learning new techniques and then boom! The art would flow forth like a waterfall of sheer amazement!

(Artist’s Depiction-See my art doesn’t go to waste)

The lifestyle was MINE it was going to be just the best thing in the history of EVER.

However, after visiting the art school – I was left with far more unease about the lifestyle. Sure, the school was great and I would have loved it (and yes, before you wonder – my portfolio did get me accepted). The people were wonderful, and a good friend of mine went there too.

It should have been wonderful.

However, at the time I was… Vastly overestimating myself, and the real value of art and design in the real world.

After bringing me around the school, looking at my portfolio, and really working me into a creative tizzy, I was brought through the gallery of final projects of students, and thus my downfall.

Don’t get me wrong, the work was fantastic, it showed a lot of improvements in the students, and showed that the school really knew it’s stuff in the creative department.

The problem? As I’m sure you’re wondering….

A fair portion of the work was geared towards product design, packaging, and other business and work-oriented projects. The work was fake product packaging, and branding.

Whoa there. I thought. My 18 year-old brain was having none of this.

I am artist. Hear me roar.

I don’t need to be a part of your system, man. I’m not bowing down to a corporate authority. I’m an artist. I create for no business.

Because, yes. I knew better. I was smarter than that. I was going to be a bohemian. Show people that art still had value! I was going to turn the system though the wonderful projects I was going to put forth!

Now of course, it goes without saying I was a bit too idealistic for my own good, as most 18 year olds tend to be. I also didn’t have much in the way of real life experience built up to really understand how the world works (I know, shocking!).

So, of course my ‘protesting the establishment’ by arting all the things usually consisted of debating color theory at a local coffee house.

The darkness is representative of the struggle of man… Also- I’m out of coffee.

Amazingly, this didn’t help much to make the world more sparkly.

I actually did wind up being in a creative field for a good while. I got started as a writer (which of course was also up my alley, because I totally wrote 13 year old girl poetry at one point*)! So, really it just makes sense – I’m a Jane of all trades I mean, the kind of writing I was doing was just below being able to respectably be done in Starbucks.

But, I was getting there!

Through a good while of being a more legitimate freelancer – I wound up growing up a bit (just a bit though). While I still do enjoy painting and design, I think I’ve grown a bit with my thinking and approach to it all.

I’ve also realized what an idiot I was at 18. So, there’s that as well.

*When I was natch, a 13 year old girl.

The post Straight Up Bohemia appeared first on Not Quite Cookie Cutter.

In the mean time, PRISM scandal grows in US… (via erkansaka.net)

The post In the mean time, PRISM scandal grows in US… appeared first on Not Quite Cookie Cutter.

Well it’s been… well a while. A very long while, going by that last post. But, things have been busy! Which is the typical excuse! Yay! Or something! I haven’t been much into writing for a while, I confess, but hey! Folks are still checking in so I thought I would do an update (hopefully guilt inducing enough to make me do more!).

A lot has changed. By a lot, I mean.. Well, everything. This is good, of course So, yay! There’s that! A bit hasn’t so yay! That too! Also, there’s been me ignoring the literally tens of people who are still checking in here (dedication which I do oddly… if kind of worried about… appreciate).

Sure, things and situations change, but hey – I’m still the over analytical and often neurotic me. So, that’s a win, for you.

So in the interest of catching up with my most catty of friends (* kiss kiss * internet!) here’s the list of what’s changed:

• I’ve gone legit.
• Borderline, at least.
• I’m in IT
• Cut me some slack here.
• It’s close enough to legit.
• For reals.
• Not surprising..
• I’m still not a thrilling person.
• I’m  coming to the conclusion I never will be, and that’s okay.

Okay, so yeah, stay in school! Also! Be sure of what you want to be, and go to school for that! That last bit seems kind of important, I admit with all the assurance of a good job and a lot more knowledge in hindsight.

Alright, most people are bored reading about here.. And I can’t blame them. But, hey some good news, no more ads! Well quite a bit less so (they were messing with the design either way). As I’m not broke and hungry, shivering in the cold, desolate wasteland that is the internet.

The post You’re… You’re Actually Still There? appeared first on Not Quite Cookie Cutter.

I really hope you’re enjoying my cell phone. While, sure – it isn’t getting service as I did report that sucker stolen – it does have a bunch of features on it, as you undoubtedly know.

While I’m sure you’re having a  blast beating my high scores in those games I liked, and filling up the rest of the space not taken up my images of my daughter (she’s a ham for the camera as I’m sure you’re well aware by those pictures on it).

I really hope you’re enjoying it, I mean I know I would be and have.

You know, before you decided finders keepers and whatnot.

Then again, I’d enjoy any cell phone now, as that was my means of communication with the outside world and my work. I unfortunately don’t have the budget now to drop $30, let alone $300 on a new phone, having a scumbag steal one’s cell isn’t something somebody normally accounts for.

I’m sure you’ve clearly noticed I’m not that exciting, I do work a lot. Funny how you have what was my ‘mobile work’ so to speak. It’s okay though, I mean being tethered home on my computer is okay too I suppose.

While I’m terribly sorry it’s a measly 3Gs, and not one of the newer, fancier models. It was still very much in use by myself, who was fine without Siri and the other whistles.

I mean, as you know – my primary communication device was and is important considering I have a family member who is gravely ill, a fact that no doubt you’ve noticed on the screen as I desperately tried to get you to give me my cell phone back, going so far to explain the situation to you.

One person’s misfortune is another’s newly stolen phone, right?

While no doubt you’ve also noticed the update notice, around the time you’d stolen it. As I hadn’t been quite able to update yet, due to the jailbreak. You’ve also no doubt noticed the annoying ringing as I had attempted to alert some kind soul to it, which sadly only seemed to have alerted you, dear thief.

What makes it all the more frustrating is of course that I know generally who you are, thanks to one of the few security apps I had installed. Unfortunately, your boss is covering for you.

Lovely.

Anyway, you scum of the Earth, I hope you enjoy that cell, my cell phone.

Sleep quietly knowing that you’re a horrible individual who I sincerely hope is pecked at by rabid hummingbirds-carrying salt and lemons on them, for some unknown reason.

I do realize you’ll likely ignore the link I’ve sent you, but if not – thanks for reading.

Love,

The Person Who Wants Her Cellphone Back.

The post An Open Letter To The Person Who Stole my Phone appeared first on Not Quite Cookie Cutter.

While it’s not always so poignant, when it is it can be indescribably real.

Because sometimes we live in a fog. That fog helps to cover the more unpleasant things we’d rather not think about. Things that we’ve done, or have had done to us. We can tell ourselves it will get better.

Sometimes, the truth reveals itself harshly. It will come with tears, pain, and heartbreak. It can reveal things about ourselves we didn’t want to see. It can become harsher than things were in the fog. The funny thing about truth is that it can seem hidden, especially when you’re close to a bad situation.

It’s very much like the paining above. If you look to closely, it seems to be countless tiny dots, however, when you step back the full image and weight is revealed.

That’s the funny thing with truth, sometimes all we can see are the dots, and it takes a special occurrence to see the full picture.

Often, domestic abuse behaves much like the painting as well, while the reveal likely isn’t a beautiful image. The reveal comes with a lot of pain, and the realization upon realization serves to offer up even more.

However, after the reveal, and the hopeful move to a safer environment the surprising thing is? The picture itself may present itself renewed with beauty. Survival, and the new chance at life. It can be invigorating, and terrifying.

The signs as they come up in these situations, and societal pressures can serve to make things even murkier.

S/he really loves me. S/he didn’t mean that. S/he’s just under a lot of pressure. S/he didn’t say that to hurt me, but to help.

The excuses one can come up with to explain away their partner’s behavior can make so much sense at the time, that it’s not only until far later that the truth is realized.

Abuse is systematic. Abusers don’t wear badges, just as they don’t show most of the more severe ‘deal breaking’ behaviors right off the bat. Often, it starts as smaller (while still damaging) things like comments. It’s only after they feel safer with the partner that the real monster behind them is let out more and more.

Abusers need you to be reliant on them, and they’ll likely treat you like gold at first – only for the shiny veneer to wear off to show the hideous creature underneath.

 The study found that whether male or female, aggressive people share a cluster of traits, including high rates of suspicion and jealousy; sudden and drastic mood swings; poor self-control; and higher than average rates of approval of violence and aggression.

Source: Wiki

While it’s not always so apparent. It usually starts far smaller. They may fail all the traditional ‘tests’ so to speak. They may treat staff wonderfully, be great tippers, and generally funny and sociable.

However.

It’s not okay to treat another like dirt. It’s not okay to call them names, hurt them, threaten them, nor tear them down emotionally or physically.

It’s never okay.

And in that? In that lies the truth. Hard and bright, and in your face. The truth is? If you’re in a dangerous situation, it’s important to find your way out of it. Even if you think nobody will talk to you ‘now’, try them. Most will. Call your friends, call your family, and call for help.

If you are, or know somebody who is being abused – the phone number for the National Domestic Violence Hotline is: 1−800−799−SAFE (7233) or TTY 1−800−787−3224

The post The Simplicity Of Truth appeared first on Not Quite Cookie Cutter.

The artists will be given the option to donate all or some of their profits to the charity of their choice, and in addition to community drives and other methods, my hope is that we can help.

The Idea:

Custom microsites and profiles with options they need and the creative freedom they want and should have. I’m not looking for this to ever be the next Facebook, but instead something to help support both the arts and the fellow human. Pushing the arts forward through a simple and rewarding means is important, especially with so many schools cutting funding for the arts.

I’m looking to bring them back to the forefront. Artists deserve compensation for their work, and at a reasonable rate. Many websites out there don’t cater to that.

I’m looking to create a place where artists can sell their work, and look for more, for far more reasonable rates. The pricing would be based around what they want, and people who are looking for an artist will be able to ask in an appropriate area, and find the creative to work with them on their project.

I’m an artist myself, who has worked for far less than they should have. This would create a venue for artists to sell, promote, and, do some good with their work. I’m looking into supporting charities that are also within the same scope as the website I’m looking to make.

The money will be going towards development, launching costs, and other needed expenses.I’m also looking into working with a non-profit that supports humanity without an ulterior motive.

Why funding?

• The money I raise will go into the following:
• Start up costs (hosting, domain, set up)
• Development of the website
• Initial, and ongoing advertising campaigns

I’ve also been looking into charities to work with on this project, as ideally I’d also like to be able to promote them as well as offer the option for the users of the website to donate a portion of the proceeds they receive toward them.

What can you do?

Even if you can’t contribute monetarily there’s still a few ways you can help. Below are the things that would be simply fabulous if you could help with:

• Spread the word! Either my liking this post, or the fundraising page.
• Donate.
• If you work for a cause, let me know – I’m compiling a list of charities to work with.
• Send this link to people you know that may be able to help – again every bit counts!

The post Supporting the arts, One artist at a time appeared first on Not Quite Cookie Cutter.

Because I’m either looking for validation of my notebook addiction or a support group – below are some really awesome selections from the main marketplace.

Pipe Dreams Spiral Note Book by BurntSnow

All I can think of: “Excuse me sir, I moustache you a question”. Then I’d giggle, and people would stare – it would be hilariously awkward. Well, I’d be laughing at least.

Chic Chevron by fancybelle

I absolutely adore this look (keep in mind, Zazzle is renowned for customizations, so yes – that text? You can totally chance it up). The overall look is so chic, and I absolutely am loving the greens and grey.

Red Checks Recipe Notebook by PatternPlethora

I’m not kidding when I say that both my mom and both my grandmothers had this exact style recipe book. The design itself is so classic that I can’t see red gingham without salivating.

Cute Narwhal by LizaPhoenix

I don’t think this notebook needs any praise. Seriously now, CUTE NARWALS.  Okay, also? I have an issue with illustrations with big eyes, I love them way too much.

Keep Calm and Carry On Notebook by vintage_emporium

Sure it’s the literal definition of Orwellian, but c’mon it’s a classic. Plus, every time you hear somebody say ‘1984’ you could totes make a joke about ‘wrote the book on it’ and pull it out. It would be FANTASTIC.

Notebooks by keepcalmstudio

Or, alternately, if you’re not one of those people who prefers not to mess with people because somebody on the internet said so, there’s one of these great parodies.

Life is too short to be anything but happy note books by VectorGraphics

A message anyone can get behind.

So? Do you see the reason I have way too much notebook love now? If not of course you can just click ‘close’ but really. Aside from developing this during my awkward high school sans ‘deep poet’ phase, I don’t see this going away anytime soon.

The post Confession: I have An Office Supply Fetish appeared first on Not Quite Cookie Cutter.

May As Well Say ‘Keep Calm and Cliché On’

Life isn’t a fairy tale.

It’s easy to acknowledge that certain times. Prince Charming is kind of creepy (what with his kissing sleeping girls and all), and the wicked witch is far more likely to be that older woman down the street with all the cats.

You know the one. She’s probably not that bad, anyway.

I’d rather like having a ton of kitties running about, kitties rock.

Anyway- back to fairy tales.

As a girl, my growing up years were filled with them. In books, movies, and other media.

To a degree they were like how-to guides on how to land my very own prince. My fairy tale was just one coma, lost shoe, or dead parent away. Getting the guy was as easy as sitting around waiting for misfortune, so I could be rescued as swept off my feet (you know, baring lack of grave bodily injury (save for comas as those seem to be prince magnets).

Even as a kid, I wasn’t really into the misfortune part (while I do and did see the narrative point on that).

This scene is one I have to give Disney some real kudos on, considering the original part in the book is really, really messed up. In the original Sleeping Beauty is awakened by one of her children sucking on her finger.

One of the children who she had whilst in a coma.

…the sleep did not stem from a curse, but was prophesied; that the king did not wake Talia from the sleep with a kiss, but raped her, and when she gave birth to two children, one sucked on her finger, drawing out the piece of flax that had put her to sleep, which woke her.

(Source)

Coma kisses? Comparatively, not as creepy.

Or maybe if I gave up everything that mattered to me?

Truthfully, I have one of the non-Disney versions of this. The end traumatized me (spoiler: She drowns herself at the end). I think I’d rather the Disney version, impalement and all.

I think I’m realizing why Alice In Wonderland is my favorite.

A.) This handsome devil:

B.) Probably this scene (as the image doesn’t seem to want to work here’s a link to the video).

Plus, Alice is simply awesome. She’s 7 1/2, if I remember correctly (by which I mean I Googled it and am hoping it’s right). Her age means – no princes, no prince-getting comas, and she’s just having fun. Which is awesome.

No part of this entry is meant to say that these movies are in any way ‘bad’. I still like them, and while the constant influx of pink-princess crap my daughter gets annoys me, that’s a whole ‘nother complaint.

She has no desire to be ‘rescued’ at all. She will be doing the rescuing, thank you very much.

That’s the funny thing about kids, she’ll be playing queen one moment then catching worms the next.

Princess movies and all.

The post {Spoiler Alert} Fairy Tales Can Be Messed Up appeared first on Not Quite Cookie Cutter.

The Points:

• People want birth control to be more difficult to access.
• People want abortions harder to access.
• Rinse and repeat.

Is it just me or are these two items just working against each other?

It makes sense for it to be covered. After all, they’ve found out that there’s many other uses for the pill (as one small example). We’re talking quality of life benefits here, not just the decreased risk of pregnancy. Those additional benefits:?

Here’s just a few:

Fewer PMS Symptoms

The Association of Reproductive Health Professionals reports that the hormones in birth control pills also decrease many of the symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome). This includes breast tenderness, bloating and weight gain. In fact, it has been prescribed for this purpose (in addition to pregnancy prevention) for more than 40 years.

 

Lower Risk of Certain Cancers

According to the Human Reproduction Update, the risks of many types of cancers are lower in people who take birth control pills. Ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer and colorectal cancer risks are all reduced in women who use oral contraceptives, especially those containing estrogen.

Decreased Endometriosis Symptoms

Endometriosis is a painful condition that causes growth of uterine lining outside of the uterus. Birth control pills not only decrease some of the side effects of endometriosis, such as dysmenorrhea, but, according to the Human Reproduction Update, they can also reduce the rate of endometrial cell proliferation. In other words, they can decrease the tissue formation outside the uterine walls. The Association of Reproductive Health Professionals report that up to 80 percent of women with endometriosis found birth control pills significantly reduced their symptoms.

Read more: Here

Yes, this is just a small percentage benefits of some birth control uses.

Clearly, birth control is typically used as just that. It’s primary use isn’t to help endometriosis. It’s plainly used to prevent unwanted pregnancy. It’s a medically prescribed preventative measure.

So is Viagra.

Only one of these is under fire.

Now, obviously it’s used to prevent unwanted pregnancies, which honestly – is a good thing as well. I’m very much for educations on options and proper sex ed. I do believe that knowledge is a main factor in prevention of many issues, from teen pregnancy to quelling the spread of STDs.

Education

Many of the same people are fighting against proper education of the topics as well. Which has been shown to have a negative outcome. abstinence-only simply does not work. I understand having ‘the talk’ with children isn’t easy, and it can be downright uncomfortable, but unfortunately it is important.

After all, what do people typically do when told ‘not to’ do something? Normally? They do it. Telling somebody, especially younger generations that something is forbidden makes it all the more alluring.

If they don’t learn from a reliable source, who will teach them?

The Media

We live in a society that is saturated with sexual messages. No matter how hard one tries, it’s almost impossible to prevent children from hearing and seeing some of these messages. Even if one were somehow successful in preventing their child from experiencing any of those messages, their friends or classmates likely will say something.

Education – proper education on the topic of prevention and safety can however teach them that it’s okay to say ‘no’ and how to protect themselves later in life. For teens as well.

Back to the point

Birth control itself is still seen as a primarily woman’s issue. While the argument about that not being ‘right’ can and should be brought to point, it isn’t the point of this post.

Preventing unintended pregnancy is in and of itself – very important. Reducing the rates, with health insurance options, can go a long way in pushing other issues as well. Many people are barely making ends meet, and having even a small burden lifted can go a long way.

We are talking about people who are trying to be responsible, who are trying not to have children for their own reasons. Why should they incur the costs of prevention, when it is a medical issue? As taxpayers, we’re paying for:

• Propecia (for balding and thinning hair)
• Tooth Whitening
• Viagra (and other erectile dysfunction treatments)

Now, obviously not all plans cover the above.

Sound off: What do you think? What should be covered?

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