tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-223584212024-03-13T09:27:57.553-07:00Complicated InterestsMoxie (n)
The ability to face difficulty with spirit and courage.
Force of character, determination, or nerve.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03262425857471988498noreply@blogger.comBlogger185125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22358421.post-76049824676910049552015-06-25T07:04:00.000-07:002015-06-25T07:04:35.311-07:00A collectionFor the last 8 weeks I've been in a 2nd class at <a href="http://www.apparel-arts.com/" target="_blank">Apparel Arts</a> called Design Principles and Fashion History. Taught by Suzy Furrer, the founder of the school, we went through many exercises to identify what shapes and colors we are drawn to as designers. We identified our target market, wrote a mission statement and designed a logo. The final project was to design an 8 piece collection.<br />
<br />
I wanted to explore making clothes for gender non-conforming folks. I wanted it to be inclusive, with space for people who would be coming to it from different angles.<br />
<br />
We had our class presentations Tuesday and I enjoyed the conversations that we had in class around my collection. We discussed sizing, I like the idea of 1, 2, 3, 4. We discussed who would like the clothes and where they might wear them. My class members told me which pieces they would like to wear themselves and how they would personalize them. I heard that folks would like to see this collection exist.<br />
<br />
A friend suggested that I post it. Here is it, Muse first, the collection, then all the supporting info.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/18496133243" title="muse by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="muse" height="640" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/4/3668/18496133243_f881479f58_z.jpg" width="398" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/19091032906" title="Chambray jumpsuit copy by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Chambray jumpsuit copy" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/337/19091032906_a09d28638e_z.jpg" width="418" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/18931057599" title="indigo coat copy by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="indigo coat copy" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/448/18931057599_038c3e7306_z.jpg" width="404" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/18496411603" title="Blue tunic tweed shorts copy by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Blue tunic tweed shorts copy" height="640" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/4/3902/18496411603_b518863271_z.jpg" width="383" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/19117053785" title="pink skirt copy by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="pink skirt copy" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/538/19117053785_620c472620_z.jpg" width="404" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/18930624899" title="logo and mission statement by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="logo and mission statement" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/520/18930624899_630fdfb8d7_z.jpg" width="389" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03262425857471988498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22358421.post-40839594880134277552014-07-16T19:00:00.000-07:002014-07-17T20:30:40.163-07:00The Sierras Part 4Day 4 (Wednesday) we arrived in Truckee around 5:30 and landed at the first bike shop on the route. Zeke went in to talk to the mechanic and I went next door to get some drinks and pickles.<br />
<br />
I came back and the mechanic had Zeke’s bike taken apart and was explaining to me what exactly had been causing the squeaking noise that Zeke thought “wasn’t a big deal”. Turns out it was a very big deal. The steerer tube had a line worn about halfway through it, caused by an incorrectly installed lower bearing.<br />
<br />
The mechanic said he would need to research a new fork, and wouldn’t be able to do it until the next day (Thursday). The part wouldn’t arrive until Friday earliest.<br />
<br />
The tricky part was that we were supposed to be meeting Zeke’s next riding buddy near Quincy, I can’t remember the name of the campground, on Thursday.<br />
<br />
Zeke was really bummed out about the delay.<br />
<br />
We checked into the historic Truckee Hotel and made some phone calls to figure out logistics. Truckee wasn’t a bad place to stay, there are plenty of restaurants and hiking paths nearby.<br />
<br />
We got a good nights sleep, had breakfast the next day and popped by the bike shop a couple of times. The mechanics were researching a replacement fork, but they weren’t having a lot of luck finding a good one for touring. I appreciate the work they did, but I wish the shop had communicated with us a little more about their interest and/or limitations in helping us. They are a mostly mountain bike shop, with mostly rentals, and in the end I really felt like we were bothering them. Who knows maybe they were short handed, or not invested. It was a little uncomfortable. I brought them pizza and beer to say thanks. Anyway, I feel lucky that we have the LBS that we do in SF, let’s just leave it at that. <br />
<br />
In the end, Zeke’s Aba (dad) ended up finding a Surly Karate Monkey fork and he had it shipped to arrive Friday morning. I took a bus at noon on Friday to Sac and missed meeting Bill and Jaye (the next riding buddies). Also missed Zeke’s excitement at getting his bike fixed at noon. I’m sure they continued on as far as possible so that Zeke could have continuity on his ride. They were scheduled to hang out at Lassen Volcanic Park a couple of days as well.<br />
<br />
I took Amtrak Capital Corridor from Sac to Richmond, it was super easy to roll the bike on board the train. I really loved it. I feel like I'm still processing everything that happened. Trying to get back into meditating and having some loving kindness towards myself. Also, this week has been full of Apparel Arts (starting on necklines), Dr Sketchy’s (drew Roma Mafia), etc.<br />
<br />
<b>Major Takeaways from this Tour:</b><br />
<br />
• Packing light is still the way to go. Two front bags + tent/sleeping pad strapped to the back rack is such a rocking setup.<br />
• Per Jesse Mullan, "The Sierras have had millions of years to work on their game, and this was your first try"<br />
• Altitude and heat are no joke<br />
• Now I understand why riders go and train in the mountains, they make you stronger<br />
• It doesn’t have to be fun to be fun AKA adventure is never fun while you are having it<br />
• I’ll be processing this for a long time, I think I’m different.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/14437654738/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
That line is not supposed to be there. Grateful that Zeke did not have an accident.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/14643271613/in/photostream/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
The historic Truckee hotel, since 1890s. Feels like Deadwood.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/14651139943/in/photostream/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
Capital Corridor is easy peasy!<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/14441771480/in/photostream/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
Taught Zeke about side eye.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/14444756689/in/photostream/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
Collected a Tuolmne meadows pin, a Lake Tahoe pin and still have Eeyor in a Winnie the Pooh suit.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03262425857471988498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22358421.post-54545622384289041792014-07-14T19:00:00.000-07:002014-07-14T19:00:00.029-07:00Sierras Tour Part 3Markleeville was great, I had a delicious breakfast burrito with extra crispy bacon, plenty of coffee and wifi to catch up with the internoodle (TM Miss Sheldra).<br />
<br />
Several Death Riders came by to chat us up while we sat outside on the veranda. The sun also came to visit. And I got cranky. That’s one of the things that I knew about myself, but really experienced on this trip. I HATE the heat. I know the trick of pouring water over my head, we did that in the South of France while drawrrring in the heat. I know the trick of a soaked hankie tied around my neck. I soaked myself over and over on this tour. But this is one of the reasons that I don’t want to live where I grew up (the South). I melt. Like a bad ass chocolate chip cookie, I MELT.<br />
<br />
So I was getting hot waiting on the check, then my spirits started going south. We hit up the grocery and decided to head up 89 to Woodfords, then see how we were doing. Of course Zeke wanted to do Luther Pass, it was pretty much all he could talk about. So there we were again. Negotiating.<br />
<br />
It was slow going on 89 for me. It was hot. I needed some shade. A rider came up and told us in our shady spot that we were almost at the last little summit before Woodfords, so we continued on. There is a store in Woodfords. There we ate two grilled cheese, 4 pickles, a V8 and filled our bottles.<br />
<br />
I guess in my mind Luther Pass was somewhere waaaay past Woodfords. I found out soon enough that Woodfords is the base of the pass. We took a couple of shady stops on the way to Hope Vally RV resort, and stopped for the night. GREAT DECISION.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.hopevalleyresort.com/location.html" target="_blank">Hope Valley</a> was a gem. We stopped first at the little store/restaurant/pie shop. This is where we met Leesa, who filled us full of lemonade, cookies, pie a la mode and oh yeah I got a beer for the campsite. Then we met Eric, who gave us the best site in the space.<br />
<br />
What a gorgeous place! We had beautiful golden light, and the breeze was making the tree leaves flicker all over the place. Huge white rocks, a swimming hole, with rock walls surrounding. The place has great facilities as well. There’s even a fantastic restaurant 500ft down the road where we had a really nice dinner. We ate well that day, met some wonderful people and it was relaxing.<br />
<br />
Day 3 Monitor —> Hope Valley RV resort<br />
Day 4 Hope Valley —>Truckee<br />
<br />
We set off early on Day 4. Zeke wanted to make it all the way to Truckee. He assured me that after Luther Pass, it was just bumps in the road, no serious elevations. Luther Pass was pretty, though we were on HWY 88/89 with a lot of fast moving traffic for a while. I don’t like that. It’s unnerving and stressful.<br />
<br />
I should mention that if we had gone as far as Zeke wanted to go the night before, we would have pushed on to Tahoe, to stay in Emerald Bay.<br />
<br />
Instead at the end of Luther Pass (89/89), we had second breakfast. Zeke chose well, he ordered huevos rancheros and there were cripsy chips and avocado and all sorts of goodness on the plate. I believe we were at the Meyers Downtown Cafe. The server was from Tennessee, he loved being outdoors, his sons were both world class skiers. He took very good care of us.<br />
<br />
Day 4 was the day of bike paths. We had a path to Tahoe, then on and off paths from Tahoe to Truckee.<br />
<br />
Zeke was right in that the elevation was mostly just sort of bumpish. Though again we hit the bumps at the hottest part of the day, up and over Emerald Bay, to Meeks Bay, then along to my favorite part the Truckee river bike path. We saw people rafting down the river all afternoon and it looked glorious. Oh almost forgot the best part of the day, popping my feet into Lake Tahoe!!<br />
<br />
It was about a 70 mile day to Truckee. The last 10 miles or so we had a nice wide shoulder on 89, so we cranked it. The next part of the story involves a mechanical. All I can say is that I’m grateful that the mechanical did not cause a major accident.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/14608342355/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
Between Markleeville and Woodfords.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/14613293735/in/photostream/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
Delicious pie.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/14633291623/in/photostream/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
The maker of the pies, Leesa!<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/14612785812/in/photostream/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
Hope Valley<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/14426729339/in/photostream/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
Hope Valley<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/14426719928/in/photostream/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
Last pass: DONE<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/14615836425/in/photostream/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
Hot feet in cold Tahoe.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03262425857471988498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22358421.post-53741194462837551962014-07-13T09:57:00.003-07:002014-07-13T10:00:02.227-07:00Sierras Tour Part 2I've been back home since Friday and I'm very self reflective at the moment. One part of me wants to quit everything and go lose myself in adventure. I have about 6 books right now on various bike tours and other adventures. Willie Weir, Matt Biers Ariel, Cheryl Strayed, Alastair Humphries.<br />
<br />
To be honest I'm also feeling negative, like my experience was a failure, rather than accomplished. This is a familiar feeling. One that I've had since I was a kid. My therapist and I talk about something called a nourishment barrier, where a person doesn't let good things in. Usually because bad followed good, and an early mistrust of the good things was formed.<br />
<br />
I don't know if that's what is going on, or if I'm just regulating my emotions. If I start to do a comparison of myself to other riders, or even other folks who recount their experiences online, I find myself very self critical. I don't want folks to feel sorry for me, or for people to tell me to feel differently, I just want to note that this is how it is for me. Right now it's like this.<br />
<br />
Having put that out there, I think I can talk about Day 2, Monitor Pass. We were approaching from the Topaz side, and it's 9 miles at an average 6.5% grade. Most of the portion between mile 2 and mile 6 was 8%.<br />
<br />
The first couple of miles were fine, overcast, pretty even, I adjusted to the constant climbing and we were doing ok. Then the sun came out and we were exposed and the grade was HARD and there were vast distances between us and anything. We were moving at a slow pace, stopping every half mile. I was tired, hot, ready to give up.<br />
<br />
Mile 4 I started looking for cars that I could hitchhike. It was not successful. Though a truck with a camper did stop with the intent to give me a ride to the top, turned out they were overheating and he ended up turning around to go down and find another way. He was super nice and gave us water, in the end we decided to camp nearby overnight.<br />
<br />
We found a scamp site that had obviously been used before. It looked like the trees had been cleared for logging or something, and there was even a porta potty out on the road nearby. It was a good site near a creek, the bad part was the bugs. Evil biting flies and bad mosquitoes. I set up my tent hidden behind a tree so that I could get inside it as soon as possible.<br />
<br />
Then I put on long sleeves and bottoms so that I could ride down the hill and make some calls where last I had cell service. I felt desperate sitting on the side of the road in what felt like the middle of nowhere. Writing this feels overly dramatic. I just want to say thanks to everyone who listened and offered to help when I called.<br />
<br />
That scamp site was pretty sweet. Cool. Quiet. The next morning, we rode at a steady pace up a much cooler Monitor, with even a little rain. It was <b>great</b> to reach the summit.<br />
<br />
We enjoyed the 'screaming descent' (quote from a Death Rider at the summit) and ate a ton of good food at second breakfast in Markleeville at Ali's Cafe.<br />
<br />
Day 3: Monitor mile 4ish ---> to be continued<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/14420711589/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
The vast.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/14420673400/in/photostream/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
Mile 7 or 8<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/14420686080/in/photostream/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
V is for Victory.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/14420693310/in/photostream/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03262425857471988498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22358421.post-79020941700377423092014-07-12T09:33:00.003-07:002014-07-12T10:05:11.590-07:00Sierras Tour Part 1I don't know where to begin with this one. I really did not know what I was getting into committing to riding from Yosemite to Chester at Lake Almanor. Last year with Zeke was very reasonable riding, this year I knew it would be a lot of climbing, and I was anxious about it, but I really had no idea what I was getting into. Maybe that's good. Maybe I wouldn't have done it if I actually knew in advance what would be asked of me mentally and physically.<br />
<br />
I was debating about doing a day by day recap from my postings on Facebook or an overall reflection of the tour. I'm still not sure what this is going to turn out to be.<br />
<br />
Let me just say this tour was the hardest thing that I have every done. <i>Ever</i>. The first day I was on the phone with Bill, the Gerweins and texting with friends saying I wasn't sure if I could do it. Granted, we did two really hard passes that day. 1000 ft of the Tioga and stupid stupid hot stupid Conway Summit. At the end of the day, I think I had sun stroke or heat stroke, my face was puffy, my forehead was hot. I was completely freaked and exhausted.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/14419771287/in/photostream/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/14419623348/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe>
<br />
Zeke really wanted to do two passes on day two: Devil's Gate and Monitor. Actually, he REALLY wanted to leave Bridgeport on day 1 and get over Devil's Gate (which would have been 3 passes on DAY ONE). I told him I knew that I could do one pass the next day, but I wasn't sure about two. I didn't sign up for the <a href="https://www.deathride.com/" target="_blank">Death Ride</a> after all...<br />
<br />
We stayed at Bridgeport in a hotel the first night. We went over Devil's Gate in the morning, which was a very reasonable low grade with beautiful scenery. We went by the Walker River, which was beautiful. We stopped at a grocery store in Walker, but we <i>should</i> have stopped for a decent second breakfast. That was a mistake. It then it started to heat up and services were few between Coleville, Topaz and Monitor Pass.<br />
<br />
I was irritated at the few options between Bridgeport (HW 395) and Monitor (89). We got to Monitor Pass too early to call it a day, so I felt like I had no choice other than to give it a shot. I even called my mother before we started, maybe this was an omen of what was to come. It seemed like our pattern was to hit these passes at the hottest part of the day. We filled up our bottles at the Firestation then started up Monitor... to be continued.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/14583255056/in/photostream/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
Devile's Gate Pass<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/14419640740/in/photostream/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
Walker River<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/14583280986/in/photostream/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
All there is in Topaz, CA...<br />
<br />
Recap:<br />
Sunday Day 1: Tuolmne Meadows, Yosemite --->Bridgeport<br />
Monday Day 2: Bridgeport ---> 4 miles into Monitor PassAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03262425857471988498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22358421.post-30908892798466145362014-07-04T06:58:00.000-07:002014-07-04T06:58:48.302-07:00Against the Stream/Dharma Punx SF CenterI posted this on Facebook last week, but thought it was important enough to fire up the blog machine again!<br />
<br />
For the last 5 years or so, my family has been struggling with my Dad's dementia. I don't even know where to begin to describe what this is like. Some of you may have heard details or snippets of phone calls. It's a very challenging form of acceptance, where the person is close enough to themselves that you can sometimes be in denial that this is happening to their brain. And then other times it's right in your face.<br />
<br />
There are a lot of complications, craving for wishing things were different, letting go. Crisis happens, decisions have to be made, people get hurt emotionally and the dementia in my Dad even got physically frustrated with my Mom.<br />
<br />
A lot of shit has gone down. My parents separated into different apartments in the same facility in South Carolina. Some shit went down during and right after AIDS/LifeCycle last year. So fucking stressful. I've cried a lot of tears. I've been angry and I've made emergency calls to my therapist. I've tried not to unload it on friends and family. It can be isolating. It's too much for a lot of people. It's too much for me sometimes. Having said all that, I try to look at things with the lens of gratitude.<br />
<br />
So anyway, I needed something to help. Many roads ended up leading me to Friday night meditation at Against the Stream/Dharma Punx. I read the books. Downloaded some podcasts first from Diana Winston at UCLA , then I found the Against the Stream podcasts on iTunes, then I found more teachers whom I really like and that has expanded into a daily practice.<br />
<br />
My partner is heavily involved in teaching at his workplace, and has gotten involved in the teacher training at AGT. We sit together M-F for 30 minutes a day.<br />
<br />
Practice has taught me mindfulness, gratitude, generosity, patience, phrases like 'I love you, I forgive you, I forgive myself'. It's taught me that things will change. Anger and sadness will pass. Everything is going to be ok.<br />
<br />
That's a lot.<br />
<br />
Anyhoo, that's a fraction of why this new San Francisco center is so important to me. I want it to be successful. It's accessible and inclusive, it provides community (which is so important in this world), and meditation practice is life changing for real.<br />
<br />
If you have a couple of extra dollars to share, please contribute. Here's the info on the Indie Go Go campaign:<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="445px" scrolling="no" src="https://www.indiegogo.com/project/open-the-doors-to-our-san-francisco-meditation-center/embedded" width="222px"></iframe>
<br />
Thanks!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03262425857471988498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22358421.post-13971730705741901722014-03-25T19:00:00.000-07:002014-03-25T19:00:00.929-07:00I reckon I feel like posting againHoooeeee, March has been flavored by my body getting used to endurance again. Right now, on Tuesday, after an all day hike (80 miler) out to Pt Reyes Station on Sunday, I'm a little pooped.<br />
<br />
We've drawn some at Dr Sketchy's Anti-Art school since the last time I posted. MeeZee visited from FouFou Ha.<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/12950930944/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="403"></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/12942476105/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
<br />
David Glamamore made an appearance.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/13268615225/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="340"></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/13259943675/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
<br />
I've visited Lucas Valley Rd and the big rock.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/13198433064/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
Saw some cows in Marin.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/13360248935/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
<br />
But what I'm <i>really</i> excited about right now is Spring fashion. Spring is one of my favorite style seasons because I love color, and Spring is all about color.<br />
<br />
Here is some inspiration: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/alicestribling/spring-2014/">http://www.pinterest.com/alicestribling/spring-2014/</a><br />
<br />
And Colette has done a really wonderful series called the Wardrobe Architect: <a href="http://www.coletterie.com/?s=wardrobe+architect">http://www.coletterie.com/?s=wardrobe+architect</a><br />
<br />
I want to share some things I've been working on, but at the same time I know myself and I'll be bummed if I post ideas that I don't complete. So I'm going to hold off.<br />
<br />
I will say that I've drafted a new pencil skirt and my Apparel Arts teacher is helping jump ahead to collars and sleeves, so that I can make a button up shirt.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03262425857471988498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22358421.post-6068989600676089052014-02-17T10:35:00.001-08:002014-02-17T10:35:04.202-08:00Drawrrring and Fundrrraising RecapSince my last post, many things have happened. As is the usual in life, if you live it.<br />
<br />
We drew Dottie Lux, queen of burlesque and Red Hots Burlesque, at the Dr Sketchiest of Sketchy's. She was on fire that night, in one of her newest incarnations: Edward Scissor Fans. I went into the night feeling calm, we had plenty of volunteers to help set things up (thanks people!) and Dottie is wonderful to work with, so I knew that the night would go smoothly.<br />
<br />
And I guess that I was on fire!<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="347" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/12324259185/player/65d3ef535b" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/12324710714/player/89e5f47d3a" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="333"></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/12314259005/player/0d44a29f5e" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
I've been using these <a href="http://www.utrechtart.com/Pentel-Black-Permanent-Ink-Pocket-Brush-Pen--With-Two-Refills-Included--MP-21894-001-i1011701.utrecht" target="_blank">Pentel brush pens</a> and I'm in love. They make it easy to get a very expressive line, both thick and thin, and it is much more versatile than a single micron. In a short pose, you really don't have time to go back and forth between different pens to get different line widths. This pretty much does it all.<br />
<br />
Dottie's wig was a very inspiring shape. It was big with dreadlock-ish curls, and most of my drawings started out trying to loosely define the shape. I think it was so much fun that everything else seemed to fall perfectly into place. I was mixing my favorite color (INDIGO) in with black and this worked well for outfit as well as skin.<br />
<br />
So like I said, I was on FIRE. And I really like the work that I did. If you like it too, drawings are for sell/trade for <a href="http://tiny.cc/Alice2014" target="_blank">AIDS/LifeCycle donations</a>. Just leave me a comment.<br />
<br />
We then had Randal the Fabulous pose with two distinctly different looks: <a href="http://parrish.artpassions.net/" target="_blank">Maxfield Parish Arabian nights</a>/1960s draping/yoga AND Butler/naughty butler.<br />
<br />
Randal was a feast for the eyes and his poses were AMBITIOUS and challenging. However, I only have a couple of drawings that I really like. I was a little more anxious walking into that night and wasn't feeling on my game.<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/12550914515/player/2ee856d93b" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="336"></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/12471462075/player/82a0a887fe" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
<br />
Went out with on a spur of the moment drawing adventure with Diane and the SF Sketchers group as well on Saturday and did these little numbers.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/12546540474/player/5e8694a184" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/12550619215/player/c8d76c4cbb" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="328"></iframe><br />
<br />
We went up to Corona Heights and I had a great view of Sutro tower in the fog. It was a grey chilly morning, with not much contrast on the hillside. I wanted to bring in the curve of the road on the left and try to mimic some S curves with the dark trees as well. I also always admire the trees at the top of this hill. I find myself wanting to draw them every time I look at Sutro so I think that I had mentally already memorized their shapes!<br />
<br />
I only had one of these drawings in me, so we went down to the Randall Museum afterward to get warm and draw animals.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="417" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/12550621005/player/d18959c755" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
<br />
I really love the guinea pigs and quails, the guineas were eating so they stayed still-ish. The quails were doing laps around their cages and didn't seem to be interested in posing for me. They have a puffer fish shape, round, with those adorable little feathers on top. They make cute noises. This was a fun and unexpected drawing day.<br />
<br />
If you are looking for a drawing community, Laurie does a great job organizing SF Sketchers. They go out every week and can be found on Meetup: <a href="http://www.meetup.com/SF-Sketchers/">http://www.meetup.com/SF-Sketchers/</a><br />
<br />
Also, if you are looking for any drawing groups, the SF Figure Drawing group on Meetup has something almost every night of the week. And we would love to see you at <a href="http://www.drsketchyssf.com/" target="_blank">Dr Sketchy's</a>!<br />
<br />
Finally, to recap the Mom's Body Shop 'Have a Heart' Fundraiser, my friend Shelley started texting before noon that there was a line and it sounds like the crowd was non-stop all day. I went around 6pm and it took about an hour and a half to get tattooed. I'm getting a line of hearts up the back of my legs, like stocking seams. I figure that this is a good spot to add to if I continue to do AIDS/LifeCycle. This year I chose kitty hearts. I'll post a photo when I get a good one.<br />
<br />
Last year, my friend Dave Groeschel's shop donated $1200 and it was a giant step towards raising my total to $6000. My team <a href="http://www.tofighthiv.org/site/TR?team_id=11441&fr_id=1630&pg=team" target="_blank">raised</a> over $150,000 and total AIDS/LifeCycle raised over 14.2 million.<br />
<br />
That is a great help to folks who need these services to stay alive and healthy, with dignity. It also goes a long way towards prevention, education and eventually stopping this disease altogether.<br />
<br />
If you would like to help, please donate to: <a href="http://tiny.cc/Alice2014">http://tiny.cc/Alice2014</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03262425857471988498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22358421.post-35678022953808403422014-01-30T18:01:00.001-08:002014-01-30T18:01:15.585-08:00Drawrrring and FundrrraisingNext week we are drawing the amazing Dottie Lux at Dr Sketchy's SF. Dottie is a favorite model and the owner/head fancy clown at Red Hots Burlesque.<br />
<br />
We will be drawing her new costume, Edward Scissor Fans.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/12137618846/player/654819f205" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="349"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DllxSJojNtQ" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>You can get tickets now! <a href="http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/567465">http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/567465</a></b><br />
<br />
--<br />
<br />
Also, on Valentine's Day, Mom's Tattoo on Haight Street is doing a very special fundraiser.<br />
<br />
All day they are doing $25 heart tattoos, and ALL profits go to AIDS/LifeCycle.<br />
<br />
Last year, my friend Dave Groeschel's shop donated $1200 to help folks who need care and dignity to stay alive.<br />
<br />
If this isn't for you, please tell your friends! Or just donate $25 right now :)<br />
<a href="http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/AliceStribling2014"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">http://www.tofighthiv.</span></span><wbr></wbr><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">org/goto/AliceStribling2014</span></span></span></a><br />
<br />
Please contact me with any questions. Thank you!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/12211096895/player/bd6ba76000" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="437"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03262425857471988498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22358421.post-83904333100148590252014-01-23T19:00:00.000-08:002014-01-23T19:00:00.436-08:00Two weeks in, I'm hungry<i>Everything</i> has started back up again. While it is an exciting reminder that my life is rich and full and interesting, I am tired.<br />
<br />
Training for <a href="http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/AliceStribling2014" target="_blank">AIDS/LifeCycle</a>, <a href="http://www.apparel-arts.com/" target="_blank">Apparel Arts </a>class and <a href="http://www.drsketchyssf.com/" target="_blank">Dr Sketchy's</a> all began again about two weeks ago.<br />
<br />
It has been wonderful to get outside again on the bike and the routes are relatively flat...for now. I'm riding with Joseph's Sunday Cat two group until Team Unpopular starts up with training. Last week, some of my team mates joined up with the group and we had a nice time catching up. I now know that the year will be like this: I see a group of folks for about six months, we do a special type of socializing that makes the miles and hills go by, then that fades out in the fall and winter months. And that is ok. Right now it's like this.<br />
<br />
During fall and winter I had more time to myself to work on projects. Right now I have about 3 projects in need of some attention, and this is distressing me. I have two skirts that I'm drafting/sewing for pay and trade. And one Ad for trade. I'm grateful for all of these projects, just juggling a bit at the moment.<br />
<br />
I wish that I could say training was always awesome. I am right now grumpy and tired from Sunday-Tuesday commitments. I have not committed to any randonneuring this year, I just can't add anything more to my plate. I also want to be there for family and friends.<br />
<br />
I am attempting to eat real food for training, still focusing on little to no sugar and taking fruit and likely a homemade 'Nutella' sandwich with me in the near future. I started craving sugar really badly after my first training ride, I felt depressed about not having it.<br />
<br />
In Apparel Arts, I'm really trying to stick to the schedule that Suzy gave out to the students at the end of last year. I've drafted all of the dart manipulation exercises, about 8 fronts and 3 backs. I cut out 3 fronts and backs in class on Monday and sewed them up last night. I feel like if I can do homework one night during the week, then I should be ok.<br />
<br />
I am excited about <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/alicestribling/spring-2014/" target="_blank">Spring</a>. I would like to make a midi skirt, a flow-y dress, and a jumpsuit one day. I did decide on a low buy/no buy until I save for my travel commitments. It's going ok, one day at a time. Right now, I'm digging out my spring color cardigans, and corals and pink makeup...<i>trying</i> to use what I already have instead of buying new things. I'm ready and California is experiencing some warm weather so it's easy to play.<br />
<br />
On Tuesday, we had the second Dr Sketchy's of the year with Vivian De Milo. We had 10 or so volunteers, so set up and break down were a breeze. Our model is very gifted, V has impeccable taste and style. V also posed for us as a girl and a boy, which I love. I've been reading more about gender and what a mixed up fluid thing it can be. How one self identifies, who one wants to be partnered with, feeling like one is in the wrong body. It's nice to celebrate it with drawing.<br />
<br />
I'm playing with watercolors, I found this blog: <a href="http://www.lizsteel.com/2013/04/my-basic-palette.html">http://www.lizsteel.com/2013/04/my-basic-palette.html</a><br />
<br />
Which lead me to this resource: <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;"><a href="http://www.handprint.com/HP/WCL/water.html">http://www.handprint.com/HP/WCL/water.html</a></span><br />
<br />
And then I started geeking and pinning watercolor palettes: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/alicestribling/art-illustration/">http://www.pinterest.com/alicestribling/art-illustration/</a><br />
<br />
Aaaaaand I did make a new palette purchase from Daniel Smith. :) I also purchased a test paint set from them and now I have a list of colors that I want, see below. It's the first time I've really customized my watercolors for what I like, and not just what comes in the preset palette. It's very exciting! I like lots of bright colors, and my day job is in the print industry, so of course I like CMYK and BRIGHTS.<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/12108535404/player/477ee8ed5d" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="364"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
I'll sign off with some eye candy. Don't forget that I'm offering drawings for AIDS/LifeCycle donations. $300 gets you a drawing. Monthly donations are encouraged!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/AliceStribling2014"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px;">http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px;">AliceStribling2014</span></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/12097760236/player/d82feafbf3" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="367"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/12097381323/player/24a67027c2" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="354"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/12097099475/player/faab0a6b52" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="307"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/12097757226/player/e2cc9f4be1" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="307"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03262425857471988498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22358421.post-57638765004768552312014-01-06T19:00:00.000-08:002014-01-06T19:00:00.689-08:00Outside is freeIt was nice to be in San Francisco for the holidays. I quite enjoyed being at home, watching movies, doing projects and going outside.<br />
<br />
I did a bunch of homework for Apparel Arts, I fitted my <a href="http://www.apparel-arts.com/schedule/patternmaking-design/" target="_blank">moul<span id="goog_1690235799"></span><span id="goog_1690235800"></span>age</a> on the last day of class, then added ease to make the sloper and traced this onto oak tag over the holidays.<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/11678862106/player/91a57296dd" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
I have a lot of momentum around pattern drafting right now, I've also been dreaming of what working in fashion might look like. Textile design (watercolor?), textile printing (I already know printing!), who knows, I'm just researching the industry and dreaming.<br />
<br />
I also plotted out my schedule at Apparel Arts and looked at when I might finish. I'm in it until at least 2016. It's slightly overwhelming but gives me good reason to back off on some other commitments so that I can move through the course at the recommended pace.<br />
<br />
My friend and I went on a little city ride during the holidays. She showed me some nice spots that I didn't know about, places shrouded in Industry that yield some sweet bay scenes.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/11656109533/player/0ba08f7297" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
B and I spent some time at the beach on New Year's Day.
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/11698695376/player/b4fb4779fa" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
Then we went down the coast to Big Sur yesterday and enjoyed some interesting fog.
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/11784995733/player/027f16f46c" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
I also enjoyed posing for Pamela Palma for her calendar of SF women who bike.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="333" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/11735231326/player/794d318cec" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03262425857471988498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22358421.post-68478794609131120372013-12-28T15:51:00.000-08:002013-12-28T19:23:51.039-08:00AIDS/LifeCycle 2014<div class="p1">
And so it begins. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I just put a repeating item called 'ALC training' on my calendar, for every Sunday from January 12th to May 17th. I've already taken the week of June 1st-7th off from work. Bill and I have already chatted about how I'm getting home from LA.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
This is how one goes into the year knowing that the next 6 months will equal a lot of things. Hard work, time outside, singing show tunes with teammates. Sun screen, electrolytes, flat tires, the indignity of that one last hill that goes up and into the Presidio after the Golden Gate bridge. 90 miles done and one $&^%^&*%* hill to go. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
These things all feel routine, and known. It feels interesting going into AIDS/LifeCycle the second year because I know what to expect. What I'm grappling with this year is how to ask. How to ask you folks to support me again. And what I'm coming up with is how this event changed me. For example, Bill just told me he had never seen me give a dollar to a homeless person until after the ride last year. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Generosity is a practice. Doing the ride last year helped me realize that I like doing things for others. Granted, I don't always feel like it. But I can practice and see how it feels.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
So here we are at the end of the year and I'm going to ask you to practice generosity and see how it feels. Can you donate?</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<a href="http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/AliceStribling2014">http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/AliceStribling2014</a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
One thing to note about donating to ALC now is that it can help with your 2013 taxes. It will also give me a baseline of support for that last trudge up to the bridge. Knowing maybe I have raised $1500 for people who need medicine because they are sick. My total goal is $6,000. Last year I raised this and more. Right now I am at $496.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
My fundraising plan for the year is this:</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
• If you donate $300 total by June 1st, I'll send you a drawing. (6) monthly donations of $50 will get you there by June.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
• February 14th <b>Have a Heart</b> event at <a href="http://www.momstattoosf.com/momstattoosf/Home.html" target="_blank">Mom's Body Shop</a>.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
On Valentine's day, you can get a $25 heart tattoo from Mom's Body Shop on Haight Street and all profits will go towards my ride. Last year, Mom's raised $1200 for ALC!! If you are in San Francisco, consider marking your calendar for this. There are a variety of hearts to choose from, and it is for a great cause.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
See mine:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/8476945812/player/2eee76de9a" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
• In May, May, <a href="http://www.drsketchyssf.com/" target="_blank">Dr Sketchy's</a> 'Cute Girls on Bicycles' Annual event will be a fundraiser for ALC. Last year we raised over $600 with tips, giveaways and grilled cheese sandwiches. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I'm riding for those who can't, for those who are sick, need care and deserve dignity. I'm riding for my teammate, Jonathan Baker, who took his life last month. We don't know why. I ride for Freddie Mercury who died of AIDS in 1991. He was an inspiration and I only hope that my light shines as bright as his. I ride so that the beneficiaries of these funds can bring hope and awareness, and possibly a cure.<br />
<br />
Thank you for your generosity,<br />
Alice<br />
<br />
Click here to donate: <a href="http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/AliceStribling2014">http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/AliceStribling2014</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03262425857471988498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22358421.post-62652467261487860722013-12-05T19:00:00.000-08:002013-12-05T19:00:00.706-08:00NoNewClothing 2014?An interesting chat with my therapist last night left me considering something. I started out talking about <a href="http://alicestribling.blogspot.com/2013/11/2013-in-review.html" target="_blank">NoSugarNovember</a>, and how I still feel like an addict and so I'm not going back to sugar. It feels like I still get plenty of it, because I'm still eating grains and plenty of foods contain sugar. For instance, we had Chinese food on Thanksgiving and I felt pretty jittery after that.<br />
<br />
I was also talking about how B and I want to go to Thailand and Vietnam next year, and I've committed to ALC and a short tour of the Sierras. And how am I going to afford all of these things and also keep saving money per <a href="http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/" target="_blank">Mr. Money Mustache</a>? Her take on it is that the experience of going to Thailand and Vietnam are worth putting off new custom shoes and any new clothing. <i>And</i> she mentioned a friend of hers who decided to not buy anything new for a year.<br />
<br />
This is appealing for a lot of reasons. I feel like an addict when it comes to clothing. I do things that aren't quite right for my budget and sometimes I can't seem to help myself. I make excuses. I get depressed once I've done the thing because it effects everything afterwards. I justify it. It just doesn't feel clean and honest.<br />
<br />
So a year without means it would be long enough to hopefully break the addiction.<br />
<br />
When she first mentioned it I felt bummed out, because living without the creativity makes me feel sad. Style is important to me. But we talked about ways to put it into a creative context, like buying second hand and making allowances for <i>making</i> new things, and it changes it to a challenge. Also going on this trip is worth it. This also reminds me of <a href="http://www.youbrightyoungthings.com/wear-a-thons/the-uniform-project/" target="_blank">The Uniform Project</a>, which I really respected.<br />
<br />
There are a lot of reasons to consider it.<br />
<br />
I want <a href="http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/AliceStribling2014" target="_blank">AIDS/LifeCycle</a> to cost less this year, I bought a lot of things this year that might be a little too big now, but I can alter them to fit.<br />
<br />
It would be hard to not order any custom stuff, I have plans for new shoes. But I could make do with what I already have.<br />
<br />
Pushing myself to be <b>creative</b>, rather than just <b>consume</b>, is very appealing. It's going <a href="http://www.againstthestream.org/" target="_blank">Against the Stream.</a><br />
<br />
This would be living within the boundaries of <a href="http://www.youneedabudget.com/" target="_blank">YNAB</a> and <a href="http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/" target="_blank">Mr. Money Mustache</a>, and this is something that I really want to do.<br />
<br />
Am I ready? It's such a short time to 2014! Can I do it? Would you do it???Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03262425857471988498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22358421.post-62687065391096197872013-11-25T19:00:00.000-08:002013-11-25T19:00:00.611-08:00Things that I'm into right now<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/10636310836/" title="DIY. Left: twill right: denim by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="DIY. Left: twill right: denim" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3678/10636310836_62b6ebefc1.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/10789407956/" title="Made a denim skirt, now waxing it #otterwax by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Made a denim skirt, now waxing it #otterwax" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3730/10789407956_fd5b66e263.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/10888111085/" title="Flannel and waxed denim self drafted skirt selfie by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Flannel and waxed denim self drafted skirt selfie" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3762/10888111085_012de9265f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
self drafted straight skirt. Waxed denim.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/10909430626/" title="Self drafted zipper skirt #patterndrafting #slightlyhottopic by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Self drafted zipper skirt #patterndrafting #slightlyhottopic" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7355/10909430626_03f1d0922c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
self drafted straight skirt with zipper<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/11017555936/" title="Much less fussing needed for figure 2 #patterndrafting #apparelarts by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Much less fussing needed for figure 2 #patterndrafting #apparelarts" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2840/11017555936_a03d4abf6b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
moulage. I'm getting the hang of it.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/11018832016/" title="First fitting #alsattire #japaneserawdenim #rawdenim by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="First fitting #alsattire #japaneserawdenim #rawdenim" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7346/11018832016_6f3315903b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
first fitting of my western shirt jacket. Japanese raw slub denim. Al's Attire.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/11033904304/" title="Snakeskin pencil self drafted zipper skirt on the chopping block #patterndrafting by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Snakeskin pencil self drafted zipper skirt on the chopping block #patterndrafting" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2890/11033904304_509ff46046.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
self drafted snakeskin pencil skirt. will have zipper.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03262425857471988498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22358421.post-69258948676291190432013-11-22T19:00:00.000-08:002013-11-23T08:27:21.274-08:002013 in reviewIt's a little early, but I'm ready to review. I present to you 2013, broken out into categories.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Practice</b><br />
<br />
This year I changed my alarm so that I have 15 minutes to sit in the morning. This was about 2-3 months ago, now I find myself waking up earlier to get in a 30 minute sit every day.<br />
<br />
I find myself wanting to learn more about concentration, equanimity and compassion. My practice now is doing kind and friendly things, even if I don't feel kind and friendly. When I feel really cranky about something, I write down something for which I am grateful. This is sticky because I want to write about material luxuries, but try to find something else.<br />
<br />
<b>Apparel Arts</b><br />
<br />
I started taking pattern making classes last January, it has changed my life in a lot of positive ways. Like most people, I have a complex relationship with clothing and fit. But I love clothes so this was a way to make clothing mine. The first section was skirts. I wasn't even interested in skirts before I started taking this class. But now I know that skirts can fit into the weekly wardrobe as easily as jeans.<br />
<br />
I learned that I may have an idea for a long time, even over a year, before I can make it.<br />
<br />
The gorgeous thing about style is that it can be ever changing and flowing. One style need not define me every day, deciding what I want to wear every day can be fun.<br />
<br />
I have enough. Well thought out basics are better than impulsive and trendy purchases. When one has the right pieces, they can mimic the trends if one would like.<br />
<br />
<b>Dr Sketchy's</b><br />
<br />
This year we successfully had two events a month at Chicken John's warehouse. The community is wonderful, our space is great, I am grateful to have this opportunity. I like drawing twice a month, I like picking the models. My drawing is always improving and I really like using watercolors.<br />
<br />
<b>Family</b><br />
<br />
Bio: Super complex in 2013, but we seem to be past a crisis stage with my father's health. He seems happy, for now he can talk on the phone and he laughs. Mom has adjusted to the changes. We have a lot of help. I show up when I need to, even if I don't always feel like it.<br />
<br />
My local chosen family and community rocks. I love my babycakes and the cats.<br />
<br />
<b>Financial</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youneedabudget.com/" target="_blank">You Need a Budget</a> and <a href="http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/" target="_blank">Mr Money Mustache</a> are changing my views on money. I currently do a pretty good job of saving, but I am very interested in early retirement. I've been looking at a lot of things differently than in the past and I'm grateful that I started saving early. I'm questioning all expenses.<br />
<br />
<b>Health/Riding</b><br />
<br />
Lot of accomplishments in this category in 2013. Did <a href="http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/AliceStribling2014" target="_blank">AIDS/LifeCycle</a> break down the mental hurdle that kept me thinking that some things couldn't be accomplished? Oh yes.<br />
<br />
6 months of training and a 545 mile ride to LA were pretty special. My team, the feeling of helping people, being of service and accomplishing this major goal felt wonderful.<br />
<br />
I was also able to participate in some 200ks with <a href="http://www.sfrandonneurs.org/" target="_blank">SFR</a> this year as well. It's nice to be with that community.<br />
<br />
I lost over ten pounds this year, I've lost 35 total. It feels weird to see the hollows under my cheekbones, I like them.<br />
<br />
There is a relationship now between art and riding, in that I've been designing <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/sets/72157629684320624/" target="_blank">posters</a> for SFR and for commission projects.<br />
<br />
I just quit sugar in what I am calling 'No Sugar November'. I had a headache for the first 9 days. Eating bread makes me feel the same, and starts the craving cycle. I'm not sure that I am ready to take on bread and grains.<br />
<br />
<b>Style</b><br />
<br />
A big year for style! I'm very excited about it. Bill and I both explored the option of getting custom clothing. In the Spring, I started out looking for dress shoes/flats that would replace a pair of shoes that I bought in London in 2006. Eventually it led me to <a href="http://alsattire.com/" target="_blank">Al's Attire</a> and I had them remade! In my size!<br />
<br />
My joke is that there is no venn diagram where wide feet and cute intersect. I ordered two pairs of custom shoes this year and have ideas about what I might like to invest in next year.<br />
<br />
I took some fabric that I bought for myself and Bill into Al's and we had shirts made as well.<br />
<br />
I'm exploring skirt shapes, volume, color, not so much pattern (this is a hard one), accessories and modern fashion. My <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/alicestribling/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> is about shapes and inspiration. One lesson that Apparel Arts has taught me is that I can hold onto that inspiration as long as I need it, eventually I will have the skills to make whatever I want. And that, while it is clinging, is also freedom.<br />
<br />
<b>Evernote</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
This may sound crazy but Evernote kind of changed my life. I track all of my projects and interests using Evernote, I clip web pages, recipes, all of it. I found out about it from reading an article on the founders of ModCloth.<br />
<br />
One big thing I did this year was track all the clothing whims that I had, that I wanted to purchase. I found that most of the things I bought online I sent back, and most of the things that I thought I wanted, if I write them down and think about it for a while...well they don't really interest me for very long. Or if they do, then it is worth saving the money. Trades also rock.<br />
<br />
Anyhoo, that's it. Thanks for reading.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03262425857471988498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22358421.post-18427963737897724522013-11-13T19:00:00.000-08:002013-11-13T19:00:00.504-08:00Bike: Berthoud SaddleSome time in the recent past I became aware that my Berthoud Aspin cork saddle was askew. I say 'sometime' because I think it had been this way for a while, perhaps even when I bought it two years ago. But it's like I never really looked at it that closely. Weird, I know.<br />
<br />
I recall that the saddle rubbed my jeans on the right side when I first got it. Then recently I actually burned through a pair of jeans on the right inner thigh and started doing some looking. Oh yeah, the saddle was a just a little wonky. I tried to mess with the rivets and straighten it out, but in the front this plastic piece was turned and underneath the rails were bent. Nothing would change it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/10734828056/" title="Berthoud is trading this one in for an 'unthrashed' (tm @geoffcolburn) version by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Berthoud is trading this one in for an 'unthrashed' (tm @geoffcolburn) version" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3785/10734828056_073018768a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I took the saddle into <a href="http://www.boxdogbikes.com/" target="_blank">Box Dog</a> to see if there was anything that could be done about it. Geoffrey Colburn took some photos and sent them into their distributer, Euro Asia Imports.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/10841641355/" title="Berthoud photos by Geoffrey Colburn by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Berthoud photos by Geoffrey Colburn" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7363/10841641355_c20f50f1f2.jpg" width="500" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/10841782594/" title="Berthoud photos by Geoffrey Colburn by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Berthoud photos by Geoffrey Colburn" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7364/10841782594_91920f1c02.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<i>(photos by Geoffrey Colburn)</i><br />
<br />
Geoffrey got back to me with an unexpectedly pleasing result. The distributer was willing to exchange the saddle for no charge, which is so super awesome. I was expecting to pay something for restoring it.<br />
<br />
Needless to say this replacement saddle came with a rail stabilizer. #sweetAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03262425857471988498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22358421.post-62450152858429714612013-10-29T19:00:00.000-07:002013-10-29T19:00:00.433-07:00Style: Al's again, and Apparel ArtsOver the last couple of weeks I have been dealing with some family stuff. We were also busy at work finishing up some projects. It finally feels like things are starting to settle down, and I'm glad. I feel like hibernating a little bit for the winter. I'm going to take some time off the bike and I'm looking forward to some dark, cold time to snuggle indoors with the cats, my baby and some sewing.<br />
<br />
Last year I bought some fabric with the intention of making Babycakes a shirt, and me a denim shirt jacket. B's is a nice <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viyella" target="_blank">Viyella</a> shadow plaid and I got some beautiful Japanese raw slub denim. I was in over my head with my skill level though, and we decided instead to order these from <a href="http://alsattire.com/" target="_blank">Al's Attire</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/10232974096/" title="Back at #alsattire by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Back at #alsattire" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3757/10232974096_ab08abab53.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
While I was disappointed that I couldn't realize my vision, and bummed that I made a birthday present commitment that I couldn't keep, I'm glad to have that 'to do' item in the works. Bill ordered a nice button up work shirt, and I'll have a great western style layering piece.<br />
<br />
I'm finishing up my 2nd final skirt for Apparel Arts. I'm very pleased with what I've accomplished. I found my inspiration last fall (from Spring 2013), pinned them to <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/alicestribling/skirts/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, started school in January, and 10 months later I've almost completed both of these garments.<br />
<br />
I learned the pattern drafting theory, drafted two slopers (had to make a second one because I lost weight), completed 12 skirt pattern exercises, including muslins, and then followed through on a vision that I had a year ago.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/10547476815/" title="More stitching in the ditch #apparelarts by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="More stitching in the ditch #apparelarts" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7381/10547476815_d82164fc90.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
It's hard to be patient with the process, because I want to get to shirts, but it's nice to stop for a minute and reflect on everything that I have done.<br />
<br />
I didn't really wear many skirts before I started pattern drafting. Now I have the skills to draft and make whatever I want, so now I'm working out what pieces I could use to fill out my closet. Likely basics, timeless pieces that I can wear for work and to ride in...of course. :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03262425857471988498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22358421.post-82066031789117810662013-10-23T19:00:00.000-07:002013-10-24T11:27:54.417-07:00Rider #3273 Reporting for DutySo this is happening.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/10447862303/" title="Aids LifeCycle Round 2 by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Aids LifeCycle Round 2" height="402" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2818/10447862303_8f5955e393.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Yep I'm riding again!
<br />
<br />
To contribute, please go to my site: <a href="http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/AliceStribling2014" target="_blank">www.tofighthiv.org/goto/AliceStribling2014 </a><br />
<br />
Many thanks,<br />
AliceAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03262425857471988498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22358421.post-17969986141747179462013-10-03T19:00:00.000-07:002013-10-03T19:00:00.472-07:00BBP<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9975623646/" title="Packed for the #dharmawheels #buddhistbikepilgrimage by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Packed for the #dharmawheels #buddhistbikepilgrimage" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2823/9975623646_459024a023.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I really enjoyed the <a href="https://ssl.dharmawheels.org/wp/" target="_blank">Buddhist Bicycle Pilgrimage</a>, or BBP last weekend. We set off from Spirit Rock at the crack of dawn Saturday morning. Headed out Nicassio Valley in the morning cold...I was so cold. Climbing felt nice because it warmed up the body.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9982984956/" title="Hello pumkins by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Hello pumkins" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3767/9982984956_7ce2731b75.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
We skirted around the reservoir and up to the Pt Reyes Petaluma Rd out to the Cheese Factory. Then out to Hicks and Wilson Hill.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9989829124/" title="Saw this today by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Saw this today" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3742/9989829124_d745da94cc.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
After that I knew a few roads, Two Rock and whatnot. It was a nice long ride, 84 miles Saturday. We stopped at <a href="http://www.saetawwin2.org/" target="_blank">Sae Taw Win II</a> for lunch and learned about their classes.<br />
<br />
We got to camp near Cloverdale around 5ish, had dinner then I volunteered to clean up afterwards. I was close to the point of passing out at that point but I know how important volunteers are to these kinds of events and I wanted to give back so I washed the dishes. By the time 8pm rolled around and it was time to sit, I was nodding off on the cushion.<br />
<br />
On Sunday, we stopped at the <a href="http://www.cttbusa.org/" target="_blank">City of 10,000</a> Buddhas and<a href="http://www.abhayagiri.org/" target="_blank"> Abhayagiri Monastery</a> and learned this song:<br />
<br />
I have enough<br />
I am grateful<br />
Share the blessings<br />
Hallelujah.<br />
<br />
May all be fed<br />
May all things flourish<br />
May all awaken<br />
Bhodi Svaha
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/10005003196/" title="We're at the city of 10,000 Buddhas #buddhistbicyclepilgrimage by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="We're at the city of 10,000 Buddhas #buddhistbicyclepilgrimage" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5475/10005003196_9c8d7356f9.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
We used our route sheet, knew the path and stayed on the path.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03262425857471988498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22358421.post-72209495971225114092013-09-26T19:00:00.000-07:002013-09-26T19:00:00.038-07:00My Dad calls...and I am grateful for it. He calls to ask when someone is coming by because he has a list of things that he needs done.<br />
<br />
He wants to put his house in order in some way. He wants to get rid of things, sell things, he kind of always has a list of things.<br />
<br />
The theme for the <a href="https://ssl.dharmawheels.org/wp/" target="_blank">ride</a> that I am going on this weekend is generosity. I've turned towards meditation and practice to help with this suffering that I'm feeling.<br />
<br />
I think about generosity in relation to my father. I am being generous because I pick up the phone when he calls, even if I am busy. I don't do that for everyone. If I'm busy, I call people back.<br />
<br />
I am willing to ask the same questions and to be calm and fun. I like it when I can make him laugh, even if I cry later.<br />
<br />
Right now I feel like my heart is weighted down. There are sharp rocks that have made their way inside me. I hope that I can ride out a lot of things this weekend on pilgrimage.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03262425857471988498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22358421.post-45272614181220715422013-09-18T21:34:00.000-07:002013-09-18T21:34:17.315-07:00Holli Would at Dr Sketchy'sNo words. All Holli Would.<br />
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9802054953/" title="This might be hard to read. It's Holli Would as a creepy doll at #drsketchysf. I loved it! by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="This might be hard to read. It's Holli Would as a creepy doll at #drsketchysf. I loved it!" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3702/9802054953_4d9f1d4eff.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9812553834/" title="Holli Dolli by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Holli Dolli" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2848/9812553834_48511274d7.jpg" width="471" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9812635913/" title="Holli Minni by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Holli Minni" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3799/9812635913_36e636393e.jpg" width="476" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9812638383/" title="Holli DOlli 2 by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Holli DOlli 2" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3692/9812638383_c024ccd998.jpg" width="489" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9812579346/" title="Holli Would pink by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Holli Would pink" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7404/9812579346_80c1b44958.jpg" /></a>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03262425857471988498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22358421.post-49358443172586556752013-09-10T09:36:00.000-07:002013-09-10T09:36:47.999-07:00Stuff and ThingsCurrently I find myself in Wyckoff, NJ visiting with babycake's mom. This is after a weekend spent with my mom and dad in South Carolina. My parents' living situation has changed recently, they both have their own apartments in their living facility in Spartanburg.<br />
<br />
As I'm beginning to understand, dementia has different cycles: crisis, stasis, crisis, stasis. Couple months ago we had a crisis, now we are trying to find equilibrium.<br />
<br />
We've hired <a href="http://www.geriatricresourceservices.com/" target="_blank">Geriatric Resource Services</a> and I think they will help to make things more relaxed for everyone involved. I am grateful to have a weekend with my dad where he seems happy and we laugh. I'm sure that things will change. It is possible that one day he will not know who I am and I will have to find the strength to accept him as he is. I find it helpful to stay grounded in gratitude.<br />
<br />
We're traveling to New York in a couple of days and I might witness Fashion Week. Since I've been in Apparel Arts, I've been tracking garment shapes and silhouettes on <a href="http://pinterest.com/alicestribling/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. Learning about Fashion without schooling is a challenge. I would say that I've always been interested in style, but I haven't always been <i>flexible</i> in my style. I do find it fascinating to see style chameleons, one who can really can take on and off a persona with a season. I'm developing a willingness to try new things. When one has curves, it can be scary to play with volume for example. One doesn't want to make ones hips look bigger for instance by wearing something with more volume on the bottom. But fuck it. Why not try it? That's where I am.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9658392429/" title="Mistake fixing #apparelarts #patterndrafting #dontforgettostaystitch by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Mistake fixing #apparelarts #patterndrafting #dontforgettostaystitch" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5471/9658392429_460f0ee204.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I had some time over the Labor Day weekend to sew. I forgot something very important, and that is you must <i><b>always</b></i> staystitch the top of the skirt pieces so that they don't stretch out as they are being handled. This one stretched. My waistband was an inch and a half shorter than the top of the skirt, oof. I even went so far as to cut a new bigger waistband before I finally figured out what had happened. Fortunately experienced folks on the internets helped me and I was able to spray and iron it back into shape.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9658619435/" title="I don't suck! #fixedit by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="I don't suck! #fixedit" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3738/9658619435_3edb30f1a8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
This photos shows that the skirt did indeed shrink back down so that it fit the waistband again.<br />
<br />
Making stuff can be very very hard. I tend to get down about things when they don't work out, my biggest challenge in life is keeping a positive attitude. Cycling and meditating have taught me that things will always change and to keep going.<br />
<br />
My mother was talking about my father over the weekend and she had that he was very good at starting projects and not as good at finishing them. I guess that I learned this and am attempting to overcome it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9670193802/" title="#drsketchy #skate by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="#drsketchy #skate" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7455/9670193802_c79c28a496.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I did this little guy at <a href="http://www.drsketchyssf.com/" target="_blank">Dr Sketchy's Roller Derby.</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9635010516/" title="Hey ladies #alsattire by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Hey ladies #alsattire" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3711/9635010516_1456e8035a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.alsattire.com/" target="_blank">Al's Attire</a> finished my walking boots.<br />
<br />
It was the summer of custom shoes, I saved for these and it was totally worth it. They are beautiful, comfortable and they are going to last forever.<br />
<br />
I'll probably hold off on another pair for a while, I would like to get a tall pair of boots in the next 6 months or for next Fall. I never find tall boots that fit. My legs are very curvy and pretty 17" calf boots are hard to find. Al wants to put me into a pair of button boots. We'll see.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03262425857471988498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22358421.post-40312490016456912762013-08-31T11:00:00.000-07:002013-08-31T11:00:47.189-07:00Process: Apparel Arts skirtsI've been doing this <a href="http://www.apparel-arts.com/" target="_blank">Apparel Arts</a> thing since January and all I seem to post are unbleached muslin process photos. It feels simultaneously like the least fulfilling thing that I do and the most fulfilling thing that I do. Where is the finished product??? In my brain so far...<br />
<br />
The first topic, skirts, didn't hold that much appeal for me before I started. I don't usually wear them. In the bare legs department, I usually prefer dresses because they are easy for work. Throw on one piece and you are done. Skirts have to be STYLED. Maybe one can wear a tshirt with them but it never feels quite put together. I tended towards jean skirts for many years and now I want to take it further.<br />
<br />
My class is great. We work independently with a teacher, Heather, who comes around to talk to each of us individually. The goal is to work our way through a book that was written by the founder of the school, Suzy Furrer.<br />
<br />
The pattern drafting course can take 2-3 years to complete. It's up to us how fast we move. Personally I have had to do most of my work in class, I don't have a lot of time for homework. But that's why I decided in the first place that this was a possibility, it's very flexible and there is no up front financial commitment. I pay as I go and it doesn't matter how long it takes. When I have time, of course I like to do work at home.<br />
<br />
Anyway eight months (Aids/LifeCycle, a tour, and some family bombs later) and I'm onto my final two skirt projects, which I'm making in fashion fabric. Yeehaw! My first skirt is inspired by a JCrew skirt from their 2013 Spring collection. It's a pretty simple shape, one that we even did in an exercise: the inverted box pleat.<br />
<br />
The first round of design needed more drama. I think I did pretty much what we did in the book exercise, 3" box pleat, and small extension for more of an A-line<br />
shape. When I tried on the muslin, I wanted more. So I added a deeper pleat and more flare.<br />
<br />
This also has a jump pleat lining, and the first muslin was a learning experience for how to neatly fit it in with the box pleat.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9507859153/" title="Process by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Process" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7331/9507859153_bf5e68c82e.jpg" width="375" /></a>
<br />
It's not supposed to look like this!<br />
<br />
The second muslin also sort of sucked to put together, but I did it. Damnit. I now have a list of how to put together the final,<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9510645850/" title="Process by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Process" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3719/9510645850_9cf343cd9c.jpg" width="375" /></a>
<br />
This is more like it. I know you people are like <i>what is this</i>? I promise to post the final skirt when it is done.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9145143795/" title="Jcrew box pleat skirt by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Jcrew box pleat skirt" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7377/9145143795_0ef60ce374.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
Again, this is the inspiration.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9510650706/" title="Process by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Process" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2850/9510650706_07ceea127e.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Here are some drawrrrings and notes.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9507855347/" title="Process by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Process" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3770/9507855347_e6efa628b2.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Drawings and notes for the second skirt, which is still in the works.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9507852763/" title="Process by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Process" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2822/9507852763_b35a29df5a.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Inverted box pleat muslin.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9510648408/" title="Process by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Process" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5455/9510648408_e76d63b2f9.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Gathered panel skirt muslin.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9147366266/" title="marc jacobs skirt by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="marc jacobs skirt" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5524/9147366266_8ba079e8f1.jpg" width="361" /></a><br />
This is my inspiration for the second skirt. I hope that it will look similar to this when it is done. Easy, breasy. A little volume and yet flattering for my curves. From Marc Jacobs Spring 2013 collection. Photo by the Satorialist.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03262425857471988498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22358421.post-78286182148954385772013-08-24T21:04:00.000-07:002013-08-25T08:39:54.525-07:00Random Poseurs 200k Dart-xtravaganzaI met my team at the crack of dawn's ass last Saturday at the Safeway on 16th St.<br />
<br />
We rolled down to the coast in fog and chill and eventually stopped for a quick break so that I could take a photo of <a href="http://bonkifyoudontknowvelocio.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Poteo-dotes</a>, <a href="http://mmmmbike.wordpress.com/?s=bike" target="_blank">Juliayn</a>, <a href="http://sfcyclotouring.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jim</a> and <a href="http://ruthworkssf.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ely</a> the bagmaker.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9532596840/" title="#hoborando #scrdart by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="#hoborando #scrdart" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2811/9532596840_3af84ba04a.jpg" width="500" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9532603472/" title="#hoborando #scrdart by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="#hoborando #scrdart" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7400/9532603472_3cbd976aff.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
As it happens with long rides, a lot of things happened and a lot of things were discussed. Sitting on the couch a week later, I can't claim to remember it all.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9532608624/" title="#scrdart #hoborando by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="#scrdart #hoborando" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3699/9532608624_0ca443c704.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I had time to catch up with Ely and told him about AIDS/LifeCycle. We have not had as much time to ride together this year.<br />
<br />
I found out about some of Juliayn's projects, she thrifted some merino sweaters and is making new things from them.<br />
<br />
John told me some weird stories, many of which I didn't <a href="http://quarterlybicycle.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">understand</a>.<br />
<br />
I got to hear about Jim's new baby and how he wants to craft a good space to make music. We also talked about getting parents iPads. They seem to dig the Video Chat.<br />
<br />
We rode a lot, I saw some territory that we covered in AIDS/LifeCycle. I love hitting those sandy red colored cliffs outside of Santa Cruz. The clouds were really weird and dramatic that day. There were some beautiful parts of the coast with ice blue water reflecting the sky next to almost wheat color sand. I do really love that color combination.<br />
<br />
We hit Stage Rd, which I had never been on before. We climbed up and over the bitchy Soquel ridge to Los Gatos. Thank you to Captain Potis for the steady push up that one hour climb so that I could enjoy the rest break you had planned for us at the top. I wish that I were a faster climber, and yet the stuff that needs doing to get faster is always sitting there. Maybe next year it will change. So many things have changed already. I do feel strong.<br />
<br />
We had a great time that day. We got loopy and silly together and it was entertaining and fun.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9532006155/" title="Post soquel. Hardest climb ever #hoborando #scrdart by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Post soquel. Hardest climb ever #hoborando #scrdart" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7321/9532006155_4cc3a78934.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Some highlights for me were eating road side <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26801123@N06/9544635530/" target="_blank">blueberries</a> that Juliayn was smart enough to purchase on Hwy 1. The blueberries from the store are decidedly 'one note' in comparison. I have never felt like I could taste the Vitamin C in a blueberry before these.<br />
<br />
While the beginning of the day was gray and foggy, the afternoon and evening yielded beautiful golden light and we had fun taking glamour shots on the bridge in Cupertino.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9532524349/" title="3 pelicans a winters and a trek. #hoborando #scrdart by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="3 pelicans a winters and a trek. #hoborando #scrdart" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2865/9532524349_ff178eeb93.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9532528401/" title="#hoborando #scrdart by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="#hoborando #scrdart" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7411/9532528401_3bd4e61831.jpg" width="500" /></a><b a="" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9588523822/" title="Santa Cruz Randonneurs Dart Poster by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Santa Cruz Randonneurs Dart Poster" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3697/9588523822_9bf527b6ab.jpg" /></b><br />
<b a="" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9588523822/" title="Santa Cruz Randonneurs Dart Poster by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><br /></b>
The Santa Cruz Randonneurs put together a fun <a href="http://www.santacruzrandonneurs.org/dart.html">Dart</a>, Scott Brittle even had me design a poster for it. This is the second poster I've done for this event.<br />
<br />
These photos from Juliayn make me laugh:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26801123@N06/9541849945/" title="Captain says heLLo, Ely inspects his bee sting by juliayncolemanphoto, on Flickr"><img alt="Captain says heLLo, Ely inspects his bee sting" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5531/9541849945_9df83e42f2.jpg" width="500" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26801123@N06/9544639506/" title="duh... by juliayncolemanphoto, on Flickr"><img alt="duh..." height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5341/9544639506_f09d1e6acc.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26801123@N06/9544644226/" title="Captain is inspired by the spirit of Jane Heine to adjust Ely's crank for the photo. by juliayncolemanphoto, on Flickr"><img alt="Captain is inspired by the spirit of Jane Heine to adjust Ely's crank for the photo." height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2863/9544644226_e2a72ab330.jpg" width="375" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26801123@N06/9541857313/" title="Our team, our bikes... by juliayncolemanphoto, on Flickr"><img alt="Our team, our bikes..." height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7356/9541857313_4effb83877.jpg" width="500" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03262425857471988498noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22358421.post-3478497890757083812013-08-09T18:00:00.000-07:002013-08-09T18:00:00.540-07:00Astoria, Or ---> Seattle. Pt. 5. The End of the TourZeke and I headed to Amtrak really early on Wednesday. We wanted to give ourselves plenty of time to disassemble the bikes and Jen and Mike told us there was COFFEE and stuff around the station should we find ourselves with extra time.<br />
<br />
We popped down there pretty quickly, only to find UNION station, not KING St Station. Through the kindness of strangers, we found out that King St Station is just smaller, and right after (in other words hidden by...) Union Station. We had about an hour and a half to get our boxes, pack the bikes and wait.<br />
<br />
We started on Zeke's bike first. The thing that I was worried about was the pedals, because I didn't have a full on pedal wrench, I had a 15mm wrench from the hardware store. I had to leverage my weight onto the pedals but eventually I felt the sweet sweet turn of the wrench. YES. What ended up being a bigger deal was turning his handlebars. The screws were rusted and it was difficult to wedge my small multi tool under the bars to get good leverage. Eventually again I felt the sweet turn of the screw.<br />
<br />
Zeke's bars were too tall for the bike box so we took his front wheel off. They don't recommend this and I did not need to do this on my bike. Zeke's bike just has those tall extensions on the side and wouldn't fit.<br />
<br />
My bike was a breeze. Pedals off, taped 'em up. Took off the bars, turned them and hung them on the top tube. Wheeled it into the box and GLORY was mine.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9407242093/" title="Amtrak coastal starlight #civilizedtravel by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Amtrak coastal starlight #civilizedtravel" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7363/9407242093_c2a5b371eb.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I believe that we may have cheered and taped up the boxes. So much easier than flying!<br />
<br />
We dragged all of our crap to the ticket counter and checked it, stood in line for the ticket taker people, then stood at the gate for the Sleeper cars.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9410119746/" title="Gate 4 by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Gate 4" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5515/9410119746_5567bce419.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
We climbed aboard and met our attendant, whose name I unfortunately forgot and he gave me champagne. So rad. Welcome aboard for real.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9407518335/" title="Dang airlines never give me champagne #amtrak #civilizedtravel by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Dang airlines never give me champagne #amtrak #civilizedtravel" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2843/9407518335_2e589debd0.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Our little roomette was pretty cool. We had two comfy seats facing each other, a picture window and enough room to store our crap. There were bathrooms and a shower pretty close by, and coffee and juice and stuff upstairs.<br />
<br />
I think that I just enjoyed the novelty of it for a while and hung out in the room. We had to place a dinner reservation, so we did read up on that stuff. There is a dining car and a parlor car on the Amtrak Coast Starlight. One had to place one's dinner order for the parlour car when the person came 'round, but all one has to do for the dinner car is make a time reservation. So civilized. All meals with the roomette are included.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9413454933/" title="Parlor car is a renovated car from the 50s #amtrak #coaststarlight by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="Parlor car is a renovated car from the 50s #amtrak #coaststarlight" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2855/9413454933_f0a62258a8.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Zeke started exploring immediately. I was relaxing and reading. It was really nice to have so much room to move around when I did get up to explore. The Parlour car had cool lounge-y seats, there was a car where you could hang out and get a good view. They had snacks, movies, drinks, a wine and cheese tasting, etc.<br />
<br />
We had lunch with a Bay Area nerd couple, he was wearing a Utili kilt. She was a coder. You know who they are. We had fun talking about the Walking Dead and bikes. Our dinner companions were from LA, and they had taken the train to Seattle and were heading home. Breakfast was with an Australian couple who went to MONGOLIA last summer, of COURSE we talked about Ewan McGregor's the <a href="http://www.longwayround.com/">Long Way round</a>. They were awesome.<br />
<br />
Couple of notable things happened on the train. I started Ender's Game, which Zeke has read like 13 times. We went through the Cascades, which were beautiful. I got They Might Be Giant's End of the Tour stuck in my head and it never went away. Zeke had mixed feelings about the End of the Tour, and he was looking forward to planning his next adventure: riding the spine of the Sierras from Tecate Mexico to Sumas, WA. Let me just say I have already received an email asking me which part of the adventure I would like to attend. :)<br />
<br />
Thinking about next year is challenging right now. The situation with my parents is RFC (really fucking complicated) and basically I was arriving Thursday morning on the train and leaving Thursday night for South Carolina. ugh.<br />
<br />
Anyhoo we arrived in Emeryville and Zeke's dad and his younger brother came hurtling down the gangway in their fluorescent vests and carrying protest signs, I mean, climate change signs for Zeke. it was really cute.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourfivealice/9417608438/" title="On the way to Zeke's house by Alice Stribling, on Flickr"><img alt="On the way to Zeke's house" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3817/9417608438_9929480eb9.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
We reassembled bikes and headed over to Zeke's house for COFFEE and second breakie. It was so nice to catch up with Joel, talk about the trip and meet Zeke's rats. Mary Curie and someone else. Zeke took off with his maps of the Sierras, at which point I headed home to start the second leg of the week.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure that I can write about that part. My therapist thinks I'm still in shock about the whole thing.<br />
<br />
The quick version is two weeks ago there was an incident and the police were called. My dad ended up in the Geriatric Psych Ward which ended up being a very good thing. The determination came down that my parents should separate. Fortunately they live in a great facility with Assisted and Independent apartments and arrangements were made. My brother and I showed up and did what was needed. Thankfully we have a lot of help. It will take a long time to process.<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/GlPii5lqybE" width="420"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03262425857471988498noreply@blogger.com0