Late in the Game

Can I just say how much I loved The Hunger Games? I know I'm super late to the party on this one, but wow! I finished half the book in one day.

I'm not much on reading young adult novels, so that's why it took me so long to take my friends up on their recommendation (after this, maybe I'll read a bunch more). Saw the movie, and it was enjoyable, but just not the same thing. I found Suzanne Collins' writing style to be practically invisible (which is good). So many times, I got pulled into the story so fully, I was unaware of my surroundings (which is bad, because I often read it on the MTA subway, or I'd be at home and my husband would say something and startle me).

One of the biggest things I'll take away from this experience, as a writer, is that something is always happening in this book. Nothing sags. Something bad happens, they resolve it, another problem comes right after. Keeps those pages turning. I'm eager to read the rest of the series now.

What is a book (or series) you've been reluctant to read, but ended up loving?

There is no point to this post.

Hello. Maybe you need cheering up.

Do you like cats?

Source: catshaming.tumblr.com viaMelanie on Pinterest

Do you think it would be better if your cat was more giant, so as to better cuddle you?

San Diego Zoo

Daily Kos

DailyMail

Source: melaniesurani.blogspot.com viaMelanie on Pinterest (yeah, it's a tiger...)

Source: luckymag.tumblr.com viaMelanie on Pinterest (and a lion)

Source: Melanie on Pinterest (kissy)

Source: flickr.com viaMelanie on Pinterest (and a cougar)

Also cheetahs sound like squeaky little fluffballs.

New Projects

Finally designed a cover for Caligari that I like. Simple, yet mysterious. Hopefully scary.

In a completely different direction, I've been doing some other visual art. This time it's my cosmetology mannequin that's gotten the business end of it. And she wasn't used for her intended styling purpose. Observe:

The original factory paint (and yes, an unfortunate haircut ... that part's about to get worse)

Face pain removed (sharpie doesn't come off with acetone, so the bindi and name stays)

Primary repaint including eyes and skin tone (and there's that mental patient haircut. chop chop!)

Where I ended for the day. More detailing on the eye, some lip color, and a bit of shading on the skin. I'll put on some fake eyelashes and do more detailing once the paint dries. I think this is a good first attempt at oil painting. People told me it would be hard, but I found it really enjoyable. 

My goal is something like this. Obviously, I'm not going to get the same realistic look because I'm using the world's ugliest mannequin. In terms of paint quality, anyway, this is what I'm shooting for. Once Tussauds has another job opening, I want to be READY.

What I'd rather wear

Because I like to cut hair, that puts me squarely in the "Beauty Industry," which, frankly, includes a lot of subjectivity. Also, because I live in New York City, one of the capitals of Fashion itself, uhh... how to put this ... some of it is ugly. I don't find it beautiful or inspiring. If I wanted to wear something uncomfortable that I didn't like ... well...

I don't know what my company actually does!

It seems like the crazier, weirder, and more awkward the design, the more people are going to rave about how much they love it.

Please click this picture and look at the hilarity that unfolds

Reminds me of that I Love Lucy episode where Lucy and Ethel go to Paris and fall in love with the fashion over there. Their husbands feel like they've gone off the deep end and are enjoying something that is ridiculous. As a trick, Ricky and Fred (the loving husbands), make their wives "gifts" of burlap sacks and buckets, and tell the ladies that these are the latest looks. The ladies are awed and wear the "clothes" in public. They don't think they look stupid until their husbands reveal their joke: it's not fashion, it's a burlap sack.

Well, now, Melanie ... exactly what would you wear? 

I'm glad you asked.

If money weren't an issue and if I weren't self-conscious at all, you could catch me in any of the following looks:

hard to work in

also hard to work in, but AWESOME

just... where is my time machine, because this is precious!

Are you freaking KIDDING ME?? I'd never take this off.

Realistically speaking, because I have to move and interact with human beings throughout my day, I'd very much like a style similar to the following:

It's cute, girly, and comfortable enough that I won'd be thinking about my pajamas 2 hours into the day. So please, fashion people, no more shoes on the head or gas masks as accessories ... can we just lay off the hallucinogens and design something that won't make me hide under a sheet before going out in public?