if i haver: connecticut

Showing posts with label connecticut. Show all posts

I'm home in Connecticut visiting my parents and friends right now. Being home is definitely a nice break from the independent woman-esque life I've been living in California. I rarely let myself relax in California. It's strange. I don't work that much, but I'm always striving to continually move forward on my creative quest. As a result, I don't give myself much downtime to just "be". I let myself unwind a bit on this trip. I watched television for the first time in I don't know how long, I baked a ton of cookies and I made this video while my parents were out of the house.. perfectly normal behavior for any 25 year old.

I've always liked making weird videos. Not weird-weird.. but off-beat/quirky. In high school I once acted out a paraphrased version of Macbeth in my bedroom using a camera that I borrowed in my video production class. I'm pretty sure that I'm wearing my pajamas in the video that my hair is all wet for some reason. Oh, and I think there may have been false teeth involved. I also recall deciding that it was a good idea to give the video to my 11th grade English teacher to watch. She rarely called on me in class after that.

...also, it should be noted that a line from the song used in the above video - "(I'm Gonna Be) 500 Miles" by The Proclaimers - is this blog's namesake. "And if I haver yeah I know I'm gonna be, I'm gonna be the man who's havering to you"... what does haver mean? Check out the top left portion of this blog to learn!

january 5, 2011 // ttfn home!

Today, I'm heading back to the West Coast. I'm excited because tonight, when I get back to California, my friends Ray, Julie and I are throwing a joint birthday party extravaganza! Being back home was really nice. It was great seeing and catching up with my friends and family on the East Coast! It was also a surprisingly creative time. I wasn't expecting to create much of anything while I was home because I thought I'd be too busy.. being home?? ..I guess having the pressures of living independently made it easier to be creative (I was kind of hopping from place to place before coming home and not feeling the best about that. I was also out of work the two weeks between Roadie tour ending and coming home, so money was tight..). Anyway, one of the projects that I worked on was a little video tribute to my time home. I got an iPod touch for Christmas (yes!) and I downloaded a cool app. called "8mm" - it mimics the look of an old vintage 8mm film camera. Here's my video!

january 2, 2011 // quarterlife crisis

Well, here I am.. on the brink of twenty-five years of life. Tomorrow at this time I will have a quarter-century's worth experience under my belt. So crazy! Last night I celebrated my birthday with a few of my friends here in Connecticut. We did something I've wanted to do for a while - we had a "drive-in movie" in my garage. I bought the cutest mini projector and set up a popcorn machine and firepit (Connecticut garage in January = cold!) for the occasion.

I've been kind of obsessed with Prince lately (who isn't..)..it all started back in California when my Roadie team and I watched Purple Rain on one of our afternoons off. I had bought the DVD for $3.00 from a Ross store. I didn't really care much about Purple Rain, but it was on a double feature DVD with Fame.. a movie which I had seen and wanted to own. Little did I know that I would be purchasing a new obsession on that fateful discount department store visit. From the first time that we saw the movie on, Purple Rain has become a way of life of sorts among my West Coast friends. Hoping to "spread the word", I decided to show the movie at my drive-in party last night.

Here are some photos my very talented friend Lauren took:

After the movie, a few friends and I headed out to our local 24-hour diner for something to eat. It was a really fun night!

december 28, 2010 // feeling torn

Man, I thought I might feel this way eventually.. but it happened sooner than I'd expected. I'm feeling torn. Sorry if that made you get that Natalie Imbruglia song stuck in your head.. but it's true. I don't think I've ever felt this torn before!

Here's why - I've been living in California (including leaving there to do my roadie job for Roadtrip Nation for two months) for a year come this March. When I left, I told my parents that I'd probably be back in six months at the most, but then time flew by.. as time tends to do.. and I was having so much fun hanging out with my friends from Roadtrip Nation, making new friends and working that I didn't come home for any significant amount of time (minus coming home for three days in July.. but that seems like a dream because it was so short) until the beginning of this month.

I've always been really close to my parents, so leaving home in the first place was especially hard.. but I know that leaving home after spending the holidays with them will be even harder. I feel like I want to be in two places at once. I want to be in California because socially it's amazing.. everyone there is as weird or weirder than I am, there's always something new and creative to do and where I live is close enough to L.A. that I can drive there for a concert without really having to think much about it. I have some amazing friends here on the East Coast that I love, but there are only like five places to go in my hometown at night.. and most things close around 8pm..

Regardless, part of me wants to be here in Connecticut because only seeing my parents twice over the course of a year is something that I don't want to make a habit of doing. I'm very seriously considering moving back to the East Coast - maybe to Brooklyn or some other nearby young/hip/things-stay-open-later-than-8pm place. I don't know. The only real plan that I have right now is flying back to California for my West Coast birthday party (I'm having two parties this year.. I feel so lucky!) and then driving up to Montana where my friend Sarah lives for a month to write and illustrate a childrens' book.. (I'll be writing a post about that soon because I'm super excited about it!!)

Anyway, I guess this is just a rant about how I'm feeling so I can get it out of my system. I don't want to leave behind all of the amazing people I've connected with in California, but I also don't know how often I can come back out to Connecticut if I stay out there and get a full-time job with... ick.. vacation time.. (which, if I want to live comfortably and do cool things, I'll have to do) ..sorry, but I have a lot of issues with corporate jobs.. I hate that they control my free time so much.. sorry.. ranting again.. that's a whole other blog post! Maybe I can clone myself or live between both coasts in the Midwest. If you know of any solutions, please, please, please e-mail me or comment below.. I could use some advice!

december 27, 2010 // being a vegetarian is dangerous

Last night I tried my hand at cooking. I've always liked to cook.. but I've never been very good at it. For some reason, recipes always end up tasting particularly special (not in a good way) when I cook them. Regardless, I keep trying.. afterall, one of goals for my 25th year of life (I turn a quarter century old on January 3rd!) is to learn how to cook three delicious meals by heart. I decided to cook Quorn Tikka Masala. What the heck is Quorn?! you ask.. Let me tell you! It's a fake chicken product. I was excited to try it when I found it in my local grocery store's ever elusive health food aisle (the health food section always seems hidden to me for some reason.. maybe it's because it's all the way at the far end of the store).

I cooked it according to the recipe I found on Quorn's website, but was a bit taken a back later last night when I was searching for more recipes online for the product and came across numerous reports about people getting violently ill from the main ingredient - Mycoprotein - a fungus... ew.. that can cause allergic reactions, nausea, and even anaphylactic shock in some people. Sadly, I ate a good portion of the meal I had made (which turned out really well..sans the whole -you might get sick and die- thing) before reading about about the possible side effects. Needless to say, I have leftovers that I won't be eating. While the meat substitute I used may have been a poor choice, the recipe was very good. The Tikka Masala sauce was quite savory and easy to make. I will definitely use this recipe again.. but maybe next time I'll stick to tofu.

Here's a link to the recipe: Quorn Tikka Masala

december 24, 2010 // merry play-doh christmas!

Even though I'm on the East Coast now, I'm still on California time.. which means I get up late and stay up even later. I tried going to bed earlier a few nights this week, but I find it nearly impossible. I've been trying to use my owl-like hours for creative endeavors. I made a calendar (which will be in my New Year's post and downloadable!), wrote a letter to Nickelodeon asking them to produce a final episode to one of my favorite shows as a kid (and let's face it.. as an adult too) - Hey Arnold! (I've also spent many a late house re-watching my favorite episodes), I've tried recording a song in GarageBand (which I will not be sharing here because any readers that I do have will stop visiting my blog after hearing that disaster..), and most recently I've tried my hand at animation. Here's a little Play-Doh animation I made for the festivities today and tomorrow. I hope that your holiday season has been joyful and fun so far! Thanks for visiting my little blog and Merry Christmas everyone!

december 22, 2010 // what the zeiss?!

I just got back my second roll of 35mm film shot on my dad's old Zeiss Ikon Contina. Something must have gone wrong again (...boo) because I only got back five shots this time. They double and sometimes even quadruple exposed for some unknown reason. Oh well, I'll chock it up to the creative process. At least I got one more shot on this roll than I did on the last one!

Sadly, I lost my shots from Etsy Labs in all this mess.. I'm disappointed about this because that place was so awesome. I guess I'll have to go back with my digital camera.. at least then I can be 100% positive that I've taken a picture!

december 21, 2010 // happy birthday loopy!

Today's my Dad's Birthday! I used to call him Loopy when I was little (and still do sometimes) because of his tendency to be a little crazy... in a good way. Dad, you're an amazing man. Thank you for teaching me that it's okay to be quirky! I love you!

A few fun facts about my dad:

-He was once on Candid Camera (or, at least he was pranked.. it never aired because he used a few too many unsightly words

-He once tried to pick up women at his apartment building in New York City by dressing up in a tuxedo during a power outage and greeting all of his female co-residents at the front door

-He loves Baskin Robbin's World Class Chocolate flavored ice cream

-He's always loved photography and he used to work for a camera/photo store. While working there, he won an award for selling the most holiday photo cards in the area.. maybe that's why I get so much joy out of photography!

-One of his favorite singers is Johnny Cash

december 20, 2010 // mavis the tree

We just put up our Christmas tree! Her name is Mavis and she's a Douglas Fir. She's a full, voluptuous lady who's ready to get all dolled up for this weekend!

december 19, 2010 // creative weapons

I'm shooting film this holiday season.. armed and dangerous with my dad's old Zeiss Ikon Contina and my Holga 120. I just got a roll developed with photos from Roadie tour and a few shots from home, but I unfortunately ruined most the roll. I went to rewind the roll, thought it was totally rewound and then opened the back. Much to my dismay, it had only rewound slightly..exposing most of the roll. Note to self - open the back of an old film camera in a DARK PLACE.. just in case something malfunctions, if not to challenge motor skills. Anyway, here are two of the four shots I got back from the entire roll.. Still kicking myself about this! I don't even remember taking these photos, but that's what makes shooting film all the more fun - you never know what you're gonna get.

and I really don't know where this was taken..

CHRIS PIASCIK RULES

Yesterday, I had the privilege of sitting down (via Skype) with one of my favorite artists - the very talented Chris Piascik. I first learned about Chris and his work through Flickr. I joined a group on the photo site called "Hand Drawn Type" because I had recently started exploring the art form myself. The group is an awesome place to exchange ideas and see what other artists are up to. Out of all the work in the group's pool, Chris' would always stand out. It's got an edge that makes is dynamic and very interesting to look at. I decided to check out Chris' profile (..the Facebook stalking equivalent of Flickr..) to learn more about him.. Things like whether or not his art was his full-time job and where I could buy this awesome shirt, designed by Chris. It was there that I learned that Chris resids in my home state - Connecticut! I was so excited to learn this because I honestly feel like cool things (like Chris Piascik) rarely reside in "The Nutmeg State".

Before I moved out to California, I e-mailed Chris asking if he'd be willing to meet for coffee so I could pick his brain about working as an illustrator/graphic designer. He was more than willing (so kind!).. but then, alas, I moved away.. Fortunately, I came back to Connecticut for Christmas at the beginning of the month, so meeting with Chris became again possible! We made plans to meet for coffee, but ended up meeting via Skype instead..which saved us both gas money and was AWESOME! He's such a down-to-earth guy and he was totally willing to answer all of my questions. He gave me some great advice about starting out in the world of illustration. Talking to him really encouraged me to go after my creative passions. Thanks Chris!!

Here's some of Chris' work.. via his Flickr site..He's got some amazing bike pieces!

I just love this cat! ...and all cats.. too much!

Something to ponder...

december 17, 2010 // mewwy christmas

Growing up, I always loved making greeting cards. Whenever a birthday would roll around, I would grab some computer paper and markers and put together a card for the occasion. Now 24, I'm still making cards.. this is partially because I still get a rush out of it (I get my kicks in some pretty unusual ways..), but also because I'm on a budget.. and cards are expensive! The day after I got back home in Connecticut I heard my parents talking about our holiday card. For some reason I've only designed our family Christmas card once in all my years. Weird, seeing as I make cards for pretty much everything else - that's why I decided to design our family card this year! I love art and illustration and I figured that designing this card would be a fun little project.

december 15, 2010 // brooklyn bound

Last night I did something that I've wanted to do for a long time now - I went to Brooklyn. Not only that.. I went to Etsy Labs in Brooklyn. How hip is that?! I've lived in Connecticut my whole life, but it took moving clear across the country and coming home for a holiday visit (I'm back East for a whole month!) to get out of my comfort zone and into my car. My friend Julie and I took the looong drive to Brooklyn (long meaning a mere 30 miles away) and entered the magical land of Etsy. There, Cindy Steiler of marysgranddaughter taught us how to embroider pet portraits! I embroidered my cat, Coly. It's been less than a week and I'm totally covered in cat hair.. it's official - I'm home.

I'm trying something new.. I'm only shooting film this holiday season (minus these PhotoBooth shots), so my photo turnaround rate is slower. More Etsy Labs photos to come soon! Can't wait to share them.. it's such an inspiring place.

3.17.10 // CONNECTICUT COUTURE

So, I'm officially on the road on my way to California with my friend. Pardon my lack of blogging.. I've been busying packing my life in my new Volvo station wagon (circa 1994) and saying my "see you laters" to my family and friends. Here are some photos from my last visit to the local beach in my town before leaving. The beach is one of my favorite places in town and something that I will miss a lot. Yes, yes.. I know.. I'm going to the beautiful beaches of California, but there's something special about my hometown beach. I walked on it's sand as a baby and it's small enough that I know all the best spots to sit and think.

SHIRT // thrifted

JEANS // forever 21

SWEATER // thrifted

BOOTS // payless

NECKLACE // forever 21

HAT // forever 21

3.6.10 // THE POWER OF YOUTH

"We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends." --Mary McLeod Bethune

It's so hard to blow bubbles with sugar free gum. Too bad we aren't born with unlimited baby teeth to chew sugary treats with.

SHIRT // it was my mom's.. she's a big bruce fan

CARDIGAN // thrifted

SKIRT // thrifted

TIGHTS // target

SHOES // target

HAT // gifted

SUNGLASSES // thrifted

CAT // meow

I thought that a Bruce Springsteen shirt would be appropriate for post about youth because so many of The Boss' songs are about the struggles and dreams of a young man. This shirt actually belonged to my mom back in the 80s. She got it at a concert that she went to with my dad in a life before my existence.

I've been thinking about the power of youth for a while now.. maybe a year or so. It's a funny thing. Young people have so much energy and are so eager to produce meaningful lives, but they don't always know how. We're sort of like dodo birds in that way - we have these wings, but don't know how to fly.

I often ask myself what types of stories I'll have to tell my grandchildren someday. Will they be mildly interesting and full of what-ifs or will they be extraordinary and challenging.. the stuff that adventures are made of. I'm aiming for the latter. I think that all young people hope to live lives that stand out from the crowd, but still not everyone does. For those young people who do use their power for good, there is a secret that I've heard of. It's been passed down from people who were once young. They couldn't have possibly learned it as young people.. it's wisdom that can only be gathered in hindsight. It's seen in history books in the form of sit-ins and protests and rallies and it is this:

--Pearl Sydenstricker Buck

So, here's the question I keep asking myself.. What will you do with your power? I think I'll see if this dodo bird can fly.

3.5.10 // MY TOMS

If you haven't heard of TOMS Shoes before, you are in for a treat. They’re a shoe company that gives a new pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair of shoes purchased. I figured that it was important to talk about TOMS here at If I Haver because shoes are an important part of any outfit. The photo above is of my TOMS that I customized a few months ago.

Today I heard about TOMS Shoes One Day Without Shoes. On April 8th, TOMS is inviting anyone interested to live out their day without shoes. I watched a few videos on Youtube from last year's event and the overall consensus seemed to be that shoes make a big difference in day-to-day life. I've never gone a whole day without shoes (other than days spent at the beach), so I'm excited to see what it will be like. If you own a pair of TOMS and/or if you plan on spending Aprifl 8th shoeless, let me know! If you're interested in buying a pair of TOMS check out their website. You can even buy a white canvas pair and customize them!

3.4.10 // I'M NOT SUPPOSED TO TALK TO STRANGERS, NOT EVEN NUNS.

I've loved mood rings ever since seeing My Girl. Gosh, that movie's sad.. I much prefer Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister. What I can say is that the sequel to My Girl, My Girl 2, played a big role in developing my love for California. Maybe that's sad and weird, but it's the truth. If you've seen the movie, you know that the main character (Vada Sultenfuss) travels to California to learn about her mother, whom she's never met, for a school project. She's from "pencil-vainy-ah" (that's how she says it the movie) and has never been to the West Coast before. She learns so much about her mother on the trip and meets a cute guy... which never hurts. I have dreams of living out a Vada Sultenfuss-esque adventure once I'm in The Golden State. Until then, I'll wear my mood ring.

I made this barrette by following similar DIY instructions to the ones found on A Patchwork World. Instead of attaching a pin backing, I bought a blank barrette clip from Michaels. All you need for this DIY is an old eyeglass lens (it's easy to get old eye glasses at thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army for a few bucks), a magazine or fabric cut-out (comic strips are fun to use), decoupage glue, a paintbrush, a blank barrette backing, and strong glue. This barrette took about ten minutes to make. I don't like glue in my hair (I'm sure I'm not alone here..) so I let my barrette dry overnight before wearing it. If you make an eyeglass barrette or pin, send me a picture and I'll post it!

DRESS // old navy

SCARF // thrifted