Rambling Anthology
 
Sorry I've been MIA for a while, I've been doing the whole 'life' thing.  Here's another exposure of art-ness for you--because, be honest, you're more cultured than you'd like to admit.  

This month we have an up and coming artist who is strutting her stuff on the website deviantart.  As she is a minor I will not be giving her full name or exact location, but she was kind enough to agree to an interview.  (p.s. we e-mailed back and forth--I've edited her stuff to fix some grammar-capitalizing, etc...but otherwise left her responses in tact.)


Let us begin!
Me: What's your real first name? Where are you from?

Adrienne: My name is Adrienne. I live in the state of Iowa.

Me:  How long have you been drawing? What got you into it?

Adrienne:  I've been drawing for around three years now, though my mum said I've been doodling since I could hold a pencil. I first realized that art was my passion when my mum let me sit in on one of her drawing classes and I was having way more fun than she was, (she's not particularly artsy). 

Me: What's your process when you're drawing? Do you like to have the TV or music going when you're working (and if so, what)? 

Adrienne:  I draw freehand and I tend to start with a basic outline. Then I go in and work on one section at a time. I like to listen to music while I draw, mostly songs that I have listened to so much that i don't get hung up on the words.

Me:  Do you have any artists that inspire you?

Adrienne:   Too many to list!
But among them are M.C. Escher, Vincent Van Gogh, and Leonardo da Vinci 
and then the artists that are still alive: snowbody and callykitty on deviantart. 

Me:  Would you still draw if you were the last person on Earth?

Adrienne:  I would always draw, especially then, as it would be the only thing keeping me sane. 
Adrienne's deviantart page: http://selftaughtartist1.deviantart.com/
 
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So, it's been a while since I've had a date.


I know, I know, hard to believe with looks like this, but it's true.  It's a tough dry-spell.  I need love.


I think a lot of the problem is I don't leave the house.  As a rule I'm not the best around other humans, which would explain why I haven't had a 'real' job in over a year.  


I mean, it's not like I'm really bad around people--I'm decent, for the most part I know how to act, but I just feel awkward.  

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And I don't have any specific trust issues with men.  I've had one bad break-up, and I know not to repeat those mistakes.  

Maybe I should join a dating site.  Anyone have suggestions?  Keep in mind that I'm cheaper than Barbara Streisand at a restaurant (my apologies to restaurants).

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I keep thinking that I'll find someone at my coffee shop, but the only people there are hipsters and old people (my apologies to old people).

I suppose the best thing to do is to keep at it.  As my mother always said, "When you know better, you do better."  I've got the first part down, at least.

http://xfinity.comcast.net/slideshow/entertainment-cheapcelebrities/3/
 
Tolerance of intolerance is cowardice.--Ayaan Hirsi Ali
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Anyone else hate trolls?    In real life or online, they can be annoying and downright rude.

Here in Denver we've been getting a lot of snow this past week; not wanting to go outside (I can be kind of a wuss) I've spent a lot of time online. 

Now, this blog isn't popular enough to gather that kind of attention--mixed blessings, I guess--but I'm on enough sites to see people making idiots of themselves.

It's embarrassing.  


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I wish I could say I have the self control to ignore every one of them, although I've definitely mastered the art of picking my battles.  

But I've learned there's a fine line between an annoying troll who's just picking a fight and someone who's actually an intolerant asshole.  


We shouldn't keep quiet in the wake of intolerance.  It's easier to just keep your head down, and it can be difficult to know when to say what, but believe me, it's worth it.

I think the most important thing in dealing with people, trolls or in general, is love.

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All the greats have advocated for love.  We can't do anything without it, but so many people forget it.


And I'm not trying to preach or anything, I'm just trying to get the word out there. 

Promoting Tolerance--http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/tolerance_general.aspx


More about Ayaan Hirsi Ali--http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayaan_Hirsi_Ali
 
How quickly fortune turns when one knows how to steer its course.

Ten points to anyone who can name where that quote is from.  Yes, we're on a point system now *shifty eyes*.  Don't worry about the points too much; today I'm here to talk to you about "luck".  Do you ever feel like if it wasn't for bad luck, you wouldn't have any?  I used to, but then realized that I wasn't doing anything lucky.  I'm a big believer in Karma, and I like to think I have at least a little control over my life.
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The more our eyes are open, the more we see.  It's not easy, but nothing is.

Some people seem to have all the luck.  They know not to hold back their hand when they can get something by holding it out.  

As Benjamin Franklin once said, "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."  They didn't put him on the $100 bill for nothing.

Of course, we must act on what we have. Sitting on your butt wont do anything.  As William Ernest Henley said, "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."

That includes doing right by yourself and others, and keep your eyes open for opportunities to do so.  Don't be frightened when 

Changing your luck: http://everythingunderthemoon.net/changing-your-luck.htm

great poem, and a great site in general: http://zenpencils.com/comic/william-ernest-henley-invictus/