all 63 of my books have arrived from barnes and noble :)

i have 45 classic hardbacks to read ranging from Frankenstein to Sense and Sensibility to Beowolf...

i've already read more than half of these books, but i'm of the firm belief that a new book demands your attention, no matter how repetitive.

:D

now i'm undecided... this is GORGEOUS...

and we have to get some storage for our home...

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-4-Shelf-Storage-Cabinet/8206253?findingMethod=rr

once upon a time i was given a beautiful engagement ring ... and this is what it looked like:


^{except mine was 2.5 carats, not 6}

it was stolen, by a woman whom i was a care giver for. i cried and cried... it was strange, because i never feel attached to material objects... what's even stranger, it was before i became fixated on the georgian/edwardian/victorian era...

today while i was searching the internet with the fiance (who is about to obtain a fabulous position at a film compositing company), we found the perfect upgrade to my previous ring:


^{if it was a 14.5 carat diamond, i would think it rather gawky.. but there is something so regal about overlarge star sapphires}

this ring is an edwardian/victorian ring.. and it turns out that star sapphires and moon stones, my favorite gems, were staples of georgian/edwardian/victorian jewelry...

how very wonderful!

we are ordering next week!


and i think i might order this one as well... recover the stone... because it is just such a rare coloration, and so beautiful!

HA! i'm happy i didn't impulsively shop on the barnes and noble site the other day... because today they have their ultimate clearance bin (up to 90% off)... with HUNDREDS of books... i'm in heaven! not even joking... just ordered $200 worth of books.. did i mention that because i write for my career, this is all tax writable? YEAH :)

Top Picks For Later Purchase (didn't make the first cut):

The Constitution of the United States: With the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation By R. B. Bernstein: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Constitution-of-the-United-States/R-B-Bernstein/e/9780760728338/?itm=19

When You Are Engulfed in Flames, By David Sedaris: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/When-You-Are-Engulfed-in-Flames/David-Sedaris/e/9781616793586/?itm=26

Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation, By Cokie Roberts: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Ladies-of-Liberty/Cokie-Roberts/e/9781616795641/?itm=29

No One You Know, by Michelle Richmond: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/No-One-You-Know/Michelle-Richmond/e/9781616850234/?itm=4

The Clinton Tapes, By Taylor Branch: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Clinton-Tapes/Taylor-Branch/e/9781437683424/?itm=296

Grace, By Richard Paul Evans: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Grace/Richard-Paul-Evans/e/9781616889067/?itm=314

Eden Close, By Anita Shreve: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Eden-Close/Anita-Shreve/e/9781616861483/?itm=74

Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer, By Roy Peter Clark: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?EAN=9780316014991&x=

i feel this distance much more poignantly than your breath on my ear. give me your fingertips, buckling knees, and tripping tongue--these are gifts you can't indian give. they'll always be there.

this moment is something i've imagined for light years. your bones spoke to me in the language of romance, leaning slightly into the air between us. your breath labored, and it seemed like the choppy waters before a hurricane. 

i took the exquisite pleasure of stretching the time between the contact of our lips, our hips, and the sinking of the bay. you and i leaned and swayed, a rythmic dance to ward off the inevitable... we will eventually lean to far, our bodies bending like straws. we will eventually brush to close. we will eventually breath those words. we will eventually touch happiness.

and it will eventually fade. nothing lasts forever.

i've always loved you. from the moment your eyes bobbed beneath your puffy bangs, and the salt stung the air between us. you were the essential being, the alchemist to temper my cold metallic tendencies. 

we both waiver close to each other's lovers. waiting waiting oh so painfully waiting--waiting for the still air to break. sidelong glances make me think of the waving hands of softly thin salt grasses--wild wild violet, scarlet, heather grasses scraping my knees. we're hunting for the snapes... i trip and you grab my arm to keep me from hitting the ground and reaching any harm... but your touch is like an electric sting.... i pull away, trying to ward off the blindness that seeps down and clouds my vision... the colors blur as your fingers let go of my skin, leaving a rainbow trail of desire behind... i attempt to get up, but i need more. i need the sting. i need it everywhere--my senses are screaming for it.

you are like my last breath before the dive. and then we grabbed hands, and jumped off the side... feeling like motion in flight, as we prepared to hit the water below.

I need more books like a I need a hole in my head (I realized this after moving 2000+ into a tiny 1 bedroom beach bungalow, most being hardbacks)... BUT!  Be still my beating heart! This is just to much...

50% OFF 50 BOOKS Your Favorite Authors at Incredible Savings. ONLINE ONLY >SHOP AT BN.COM: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/container/2-3-merch.asp?PID=33972

My picks so far:

Think Twice, by Lisa Scottoline- http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Think-Twice/Lisa-Scottoline/e/9780312380755/?itm=24

No One Would Listen: A True Financial Thriller- http://search.barnesandnoble.com/No-One-Would-Listen/Harry-Markopolos/e/9780470553732/?itm=27

US: Transforming Ourselves and the Relationships That Matter Most, by Lisa Oz (the infamous Dr. Oz's wife) - http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Us/Lisa-Oz/e/9781439123928/?itm=28

Hellhound on His Trail: The Stalking of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the International Hunt for His Assassin, by Hampton Sides- http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Hellhound-On-His-Trail/Hampton-Sides/e/9780385523929/?itm=21

No Apology: The Case for American Greatness, by Mit Romney (whom I met 2 months ago at a benefit dinner--what an INCREDIBLE man)- http://search.barnesandnoble.com/No-Apology/Mitt-Romney/e/9780312609801/?itm=23

The Galilean Secret, by Evan Drake Howard (call me lame.... but despite my non-theist view, I have a soft spot for fictional plots regarding the deepest secret of life, via the saviour of mankind)- http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Galilean-Secret/Evan-Drake-Howard/e/9780824947941/?itm=48

The End of Wall Street, by Roger Lowenstein- http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-End-of-Wall-Street/Roger-Lowenstein/e/9781594202391/?itm=35

Tomorrow River, by Lesley Kagan- http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Tomorrow-River/Lesley-Kagen/e/9780525951544/?itm=38

Haunt Me Still, by Jennifer Lee Carrol (it's like Nancy Drew for adults :D)- http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Haunt-Me-Still/Jennifer-Lee-Carrell/e/9780525950776/?itm=44

good morning Laguna Beach. so nice to see you basically have free wifi wherever I go :D

nervous breakdowns are always on the edge of my mind. you're gone and twisted in this curtain of black, wrapping itself around me, suffocating me. i'm clawing my way out into the blinding light that i've perpetuated in my mind--being in this fog for so long can make my illusions seem that of grandeur.

our fingers used to lace together in a soft yet unbreakable knot. now your are around my throat, and mine are behind my back. 

this is what is inside of me right now:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tJbaGdoLeA&feature=related

t minus 3 days and counting...

you held me in your eyes; once it was with your arms, but we can't bring ourselves to that again. your legs splayed and stacked with mine, we sat on opposite ends of the couch, you watched me and commented on my ironic smile and twitchy lips. i'm at a loss--you've always loved me for everything i am, and i've always been running from you. now i want you so dearly--i want your eyes to close as your arms fit around my waist.

let your eyes do the talking, and i'll let me hands answer you back.

not to seem like a complete rip off of my darling [The Penguin Who Could Fly]... but in the spirit of moving into an entirely new home, i thought i would post the etsy shops i plan on buying interior decor from... :) and maybe a few irrelevant other sites.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BugUnderGlass?ref=top_trail these are fantastic, bringing life chi to a space
http://www.etsy.com/shop/paperplanet?page=1 mood lighting can make the world go round
http://www.etsy.com/listing/50394475/standing-floor-lamp more mood lighting.. maybe more for outside, since it seems a little frenetic
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ClayGalNaira?ref=top_trail ADORE her work--saw some throwing wheels on craigslist for practically 0 dinero, and i'm tempted to splurge and get a couple :)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/50142311/hand-carved-mahogany-entry-wall-mirror-w?ref=cat2_gallery_14 the craftsmanship in this... and it is such a STEAL!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/39828889/victorian-wall-mirror-typical-of-c-1865?ref=cat2_gallery_3 this would go great with the new bedset we just got... and i'm totally obsessed with steampunk/victorian period/edwardian period vintage items
http://www.etsy.com/listing/46620793/large-fancy-french-shabby-white-painted?ref=cat2_gallery_23 although this may match the white/shabby chic-victorian theme i'm aiming for...
http://www.etsy.com/listing/38325271/real-fur-red-fox-area-rug-throw-or-wall?ref=sr_gallery_38&;ga_search_query=rug&ga_search_type=category&category=housewares.bedroom&;ga_page=11&order=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title perfect for in front of our stove :)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/44845107/shabby-chic-knittedcrochet-picnic?ref=sr_gallery_10&ga_search_query=rug&ga_search_type=&ga_page=&order=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title i'm all about making my place cozy, and nothing says cozy like throw blankets everywhere


for those of us who are insomnia addled.. here is are some great sites to waste some time with :)

http://www.dreammoods.com/dreamdictionary/ a dream dictionary. i know, that seems like an oxymoron to those who don't sleep much, but as a person who doesn't, when i actually do sleep i have some pretty crazy dreams!
http://little-flower-school.blogspot.com/ i want to take these classes!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ladramaqueen?ref=top_trail these vintage inspired swimsuits are on my must have list... i mean, i'm moving a mere 2 minute bike ride from the beach!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Jealousydesign?page=1 quality raw jewelry is hard to find, which is a shame, since it has some pretty incredible energy and some of the most unique looks
http://www.etsy.com/listing/51191664/vintage-old-bone-scrimshaw-pendant?ref=cat1_gallery_1 <3
http://www.etsy.com/listing/50287801/custom-made-ivory-sweetheart-neckline?ref=sr_gallery_18&ga_search_query=wedding+dress&ga_search_type=all&ga_page=2&order=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title this wedding gown is gorgeous (minus the sash)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/51164675/vintage-sheer-long-sleeve-organza-and?ref=sr_gallery_31&ga_search_query=wedding+dress&ga_search_type=all&ga_page=7&order=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title also love the edwardian throwback of this dress...
http://www.etsy.com/listing/48668440/gorgeous-strapless-sheath-wedding-gown HERE IT IS :D the perfect combination of modern with victorian/edwardian vintage style... she does custom, which is FANTASTIC... and it's crazy affordable compared to a designer dress...
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ninexmuse?page=1 pretty pendants
http://www.etsy.com/listing/50484419/cigarette-case-octopus-large-credit-card?ref=sc_undefined_9 HOW BADASS WOULD IT BE TO PULL A BUSINESS CARD OUT OF THIS BABY?!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/50455886/decorative-vintage-wine-bottle-covered?ref=sc_undefined_19 two of my favorite things.. wine and lewis carol
http://www.etsy.com/listing/49592964/midsummer-book-addict-gift-set?ref=sc_undefined_4 my most cherished shakespearean play, made into a writing journal...


alright.. time to try to sleep ...

darling be patient. there's nothing to miss, if i'm right there. we're almost there

moving is a state of homeostasis. you have to go through everything and wage internal war on it's importance. given short spans of time to complete this, it becomes quite an intense war; one that leaves the brain battered and ringing. 

in other news...

richard, my loving faince who has been wont of a job for 9 months at least, has been offered 4 so far. we are rejoicing at the opportunity to choose between them.

and in still other news...

almost everything is sold, except for the crap i thought wouldn't sell. surprise surprise. we are making good time at cutting our belongings and the belongings that hold our belongings, into half the size.

and the last bit of news...

i am procrastinating on work and should get back now. yes, i am working as i prepare to move to another state. it's a nice juggling challenge...

work, pack, collapse, coffee, repeat.

with the anticipation of moving in ten days, visiting to find the new digs, and trying to complete a website for my client, life has been a little more than business as usual. i miss writing and contemplating for hours the arcs i build in my miniature stories. but i shall paint in the new place.... it is a 1920's cottage (as many of the homes in Laguna Beach are), surrounded by the lushest the greenbelt can offer, and a mere bike ride to the beach. it's like The Secret Garden and Atonement had a wonderful architectural love child.

i'm ready--i entered the boiling air of phoenix yesterday, and my skin immediately rebelled with swollen red marks and a breakout only a true teenager could be proud of... did i mention the skin on my arms began peeling for no reason?

i'm soooo ready to be in Laguna... we found our dream condo, and the man who owns it loves us to death. since we aren't quite at that time in our life, we asked to stay in touch and reapply come April... so we will have our magnificent floor to ceiling windows that face the ocean, while being perched on a sea-side cliff :)

it is all coming together, and i am giddy and tired and anxious and sad and happy and.. overwhelmed.

life is beautiful.

seduced by these valleys, i'll lay in your moorland and wrap myself in your honey brush. these lands were in my blood from birth, and i'm the prodigal son now claiming my birthright.

the last week has been so incredibly hectic.

i am currently looking at houses in laguna and newport beach, california. i'm excited to say i've found quite a few that are affordable with a lease to own option. 

soooo much to do!

the rush i get the days prior to shooting keep me from sleeping, eating anything more than coffee and water, and give me the physical sensations akin to a good orgasm.

i get so fantastically excited, that it's hard to contain. i don't sleep, but if i do i have vivid, creative, wacky dreams. i problem solve under the strangest of circumstances, wake up and rush through the motions of everyday life (compared to shooting, brushing my teeth seems like such a time consumer), and continue forward on my path to creative fulfillment.

and then as the camera begins to roll, i call speed, and the words action leave my lips, i am all-consumed by the sensations of that moment, as if time holds still. my breath becomes raggedly loud, i watch the dust rise from the earth, as the feet begin to shuffle, then pound with leaps and bounds. this is my moment. this is when my heart is thumping to the capacity of a steam engine, and i know, deeply deeply know, there is nowhere else, nothing else i belong to so entirely as this set, this camera, and my crew.

be still my beating heart.

lookout world! NPR, and Fox are committing times to interview with myself, my first ad, my camera man, and my pa.

we received interest from Glenn Beck (haha isn't that just great?!), and the delightful Chris Yandek, who i had the pleasure of meeting via phone this week, is going to wrap up our interview series with myself, and my select cast.

Chris has already finished his initial interviews with my producers, and you can find those here: http://paintyourbrain.com/post/726887561/arizona-apartheid-initial-interviews-with-chris-yandek