a very big LION PUPPET and how to best dance.

remember that lion?

that made me look insane walking across the street. 

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I got to make him when I was the costume designer for a show. 

I never did post his final look 

and performance. 

with 

Richmond Ballet. 

so,

__________________________________________________________

       JOE MAHONEY/TIMES-DISPATCH

__________________________________________________________

It's embarrassingly exciting to watch professional dancers operate something you made. 

oh, and when they did lifts. 

I freaked out on the inside. 

I am being honest. really.

________________________________

thanks to 

Richmond Ballet Company dancers. 

And the Minds In Motion team. 

Cat Studdard. 

And the Production Team. 

Cate Latham

Costume Shop. All of it. 

really. cool. 

really. honored.

I'll just wait out back until you need me again. ever. sitting by the stage door. don't mind me. I packed almonds. 

________________________________________________________________

oh, also. 

it feels really busy

ok. it is really busy

like. I'm-up-late-on-the-weekend-but-with-papers-around-me-all-over-the-floor. kind of busy

and so I don't want to forget. 

in the spirit of ballet.
and wednesdays.
and well. life. 

to

_____________________

dance. 

                                                                                                                      Kent Meister Photography

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___________________________________________________

~~ this lion post is for Courtney Webb and her inspiring spirit. ~~  

As you battle cancer again. and win again. ROAR. we hear you. xo. 

HALLOWEEN IS SNEAKING UP ON ME LIKE FRANKENSTEIN.

throw back. of coolness. 

I am not ashamed of my past. 

I am still that. 

and true things. 

are the most hilarious. 

Somewhere along the line someone told me that different was cool.

and creativity was a superpower. 

I HELD ONTO THAT.

____________________________________________________________________

Fall sounds like an acoustic guitar. smells like a campfire. and. i like it. all.

I have what could be considered an unhealthy obsession with fall.

I love Halloween. 

I love pumpkins. 

I love hats.

my best friend and I sort of deemed it our time. and we can really celebrate the crap out of it. she lives across the country. but we are never on a different page. our page is covered in leaves. 

and zip ups and rollerblades and scarves and tights. 

I walk through a fall/Halloween themed aisle and my heart beats faster. 

True things can sometimes be embarrassing but you guys. 

I feel this way. 

A hayride or a nighttime campfire can really just send me over the edge. 

_________________________________________________________

My work update is that I have a lot of work. 

Which is amazing. 

____________

I am starting to like evening work more than I used to. It feels like I am getting ahead. and it feels calmer after 5. 

                                                                            in a brilliant move. i bought myself a cupcake.

one project I am working on is- 

the puppet cast for the LIVE ART show in december. 

December 22. 2013.

info and to get tickets. NOW: www.sparconline.org/liveart

not kidding. selling so fast.

_________________________________

And I am teaching a lot. 

for Live Art. yes. my favorite. 

and also

some classes for adults.

____________

and all of this. is why I have taken these giant pauses between posting. 

and why I spilled an entire iced coffee the other day. AND dropped a wine bottle that same night. 

(dont drop a wine bottle. ever. but if you do. a sidewalk is kind of awesome. especially if a giant line of nicely dressed people are waiting outside somewhere. right by where you park. with nothing to look at but the street. and. 

you. 

they were hilariously supportive. i think we all just sighed together. 

strangers can be friends. in a second. 

just look dumb and everyone is like- WERE THE SAME! WERE HUMANS! WOOoo)

_______________________________

I go between - AHHHGH I HAVE A FULL PLATE. 

and

I AM THE LUCKIEST EVER. 

and

WHY ARE THERE SO MANY PUPPETS IN MY BACK SEAT. 

you guys. 

It got really hilarious when 

I painted a large stretch of road. 

neon yellow. 

                                                                                                                                                   wow. right?

                                                                                                                                                                                                     the culprit.

____________________________________

I am overwhelmed with a severe love for this time of year. 

amazing opportunities. 

solid friends.

and whew. 

busy.

I feel like THIS kid.

                                                     

   I found this kid. and fell in love with him. I mean. LOOK. please. tell me he isn't awesome.

now go collapse on pavement. 

and look at the sky.

_________________________________________________________

Collecting sisters. and other people who lift me up and speak my language.

When I make something that I feel moved to make 

It is not hard to imagine what it should look like. 

because it already looks like that. 

to me. 

______________________________

One of my brothers, Joey, is married to Heather.
and I adore my sister-in-law. drop the in-law.

sister. 

_____________________________

That's us. see why I like her.

I think I am in the monster hoodie. because thats my favorite illustration outfit.
BUT. she could be either of these creatures.

the idea is that she makes me feel like... this drawing.

____________________________________________________

So my other brother, Eric, just got married. 

                                                                                         advice from his nephew. the ring bearer.

In the mountains. 

                                                                                                                                                    instagram.town: @AbernathyParade

by a creek.

to a best friend of mine.

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only. he found her first.

but I would have picked her for an accomplice in two seconds.


first round team sports. co-magician. etc.






Sarah.

______________________________________________________

So for their wedding I was going to make them a piece of art for the cover of their ceremony program.

but they said. wait.

could it be something we can use for that. but also... to keep.


So I knew. ok ok.


Exactly what to make.






And they wanted a sort of "engagement photo"
 ... because they didn't do those.
formally.


Until...





MINE.



which is pretty dang accurate.


but don't worry. they knew who they were talking to.

and so without further ado.

or delay.

or prep.

THIS.
is their piece of art.






This. is their little story.








__________________________________________________

The Great Mouse Plot of 2013. 

named in part for the Roald Dahl story, The Great Mouse Plot of 1924

about being sneaky. and adventurous. 

taking risks. and staying curious.

Sarah. wide eyes. smart hat.

Eric. adventure gear. 

home.

 pssst. you can find sewn lines. all white. because. it is a fancy picture you guys. wedding thread only.

their plans. big ones. 

set. sail.

_______________________________________________________________

Congratulations, you clever mice. 

Happy for you. Happy for all of us.

__________________________________________________________________

my sister collection is complete. at 3. but more people who lift me up.
and speak my language.

always collecting.





more of these people.

please.

for the love.