Nancy Tyna

Shift

2011-01-07T11:24:00.001-08:00

My lack of updates here is because a few months ago I began tinkering with Wordpress (sorry Blogger). Since then I've basically stopped updating here in favor of making updates over there, so from now on if you're looking for blog entries try the new blog.

Welcome to Nowhere Fast

2010-08-15T19:40:00.000-07:00

The days just keep rolling by. I can't believe August is half over. I keep hearing people talking about going back to school and it still feels strange to think I'm not getting ready for that anymore. It's even more strange to see Moms telling their kids to pick out colored pencils because they're on the supplies list. Oh man. Those were the days.

Just a few shots of random things. The first is a view from driving on Route 101. The second is a car I wouldn't mind having instead of my decade (plus) old Ford. The third, well... I'm not quite sure what that was. The fourth is a delicious over easy egg on top of corned beef hash from Big Al's. My Dad brought an order of it home for my Mom and I, but I'm pretty sure I ate most of it.

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Fire

2010-07-13T10:49:00.000-07:00

About a month ago or so, a house on my street caught fire. I was sitting on the couch when I realized the sirens I was hearing weren't stopping and turned to look out the window. It was so smokey that at first I thought it was fog, then realized there were fire trucks lining the street. I never saw any flames, but the amount of smoke was incredible.

Excuse me?

2010-05-26T08:29:00.000-07:00

I received a call from an unlisted number the other day while I was at work. They left me a voicemail and, from what I can gather, it was about a job I applied for. Sadly, it sounded like they were calling me on speakerphone in their car with the windows down. Or maybe the phone was on their desk, they were across the room, and there was a fan going. Regardless, I could barely hear them and couldn't make out who they were or the phone number I was supposed to call them back at.

I figured I would post about it here in case they check my blog for some reason. They probably think I just ignored the message and decided not to call back, but I definitely would've called had I been able to hear the phone number. Frustrating.

Thanks for calling back :)

The Philadelphia Story, The Argus C3

2010-04-18T15:58:00.000-07:00

Sidney Kidd: You hate me, I trust, Miss lmbrie?
Elizabeth Imbrie: No. I can't afford to hate anybody. I'm only a photographer.

This is the Argus C3, and was what Ruth Hussey's used in the movie. It was fun to make these simple designs and I actually learned a few things, what with needing photos of a gaff ketch and the Argus C3.

The Philadelphia Story

2010-04-17T12:06:00.000-07:00

Sidney Kidd: The Philadelphia story. (COMPOSING) Closed were the portals of snobbish fox-hunting. No, no wait. No hunter of foxes is Spy Magazine. Nevertheless, presented for the first time, quote, a wedding day inside Main Line society.
Macaulay Connor: Or what the kitchen maid saw through the keyhole, unquote.
Kidd: You're the writer, Connor. I'm only the publisher.
Connor: All right, publisher, take this. Quote. No hunter of buckshot in the rear is cagey, crafty, Connor. Unquote. Close paragraph.
Elizabeth Imbrie: Close job, close bank account.

Philadelphia Story, The True Love

2010-04-16T08:07:00.000-07:00

Tracy Lord: My, she was yar!
George Kittredge: Yar? What's that mean?
Tracy: lt means, uh -- oh, what does it mean? Easy to handle, quick to the helm. Fast, bright. Everything a boat should be...until she develops dry rot.

First in a series of three, this is the boat The True Love from the movie The Philadelphia Story. I intended to make a DVD cover/case, but my inspiration took a different turn.

Hello Chicago

2010-04-01T12:45:00.000-07:00

If you don't know what Megabus is, I suggest you go check it out. I do wish it went to more locations from Cleveland, but I really can't complain too much. After all, roundtrip, it cost only $10 per person to go to Chicago. Eddie and I had been thinking about a day trip there for a while, and he finally gave in and bought us tickets to go. I don't think I could do this too often, as I'm not big on sleeping on a bus, but it was worth it in the end.

We ate breakfast super early in the morning, but out the window we had this lovely sight. We were singing Wesley Willis songs the rest of the day.

Progress

2010-04-01T12:39:00.000-07:00

PEE-ces of Art

2010-03-02T10:02:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, March 7th, there will be an artist open show at Bela Dubby in Lakewood. The art work being show? Some wonderful designs from a four-legged Cleveland resident.

Tucker was found running about Ohio dragging a bolt and chain and dealing with a few medical conditions. His hard times led him to a county shelter facility, but his health problems and the fact he wasn't a young dog made him hard to adopt out. An animal control officer saw promise in him, though, and sought out a better shelter environment for him. Tucker only stayed a short time at the Sanctuary for Senior Dogs in Cleveland before his journey was over and he found his permanent foster home.

Tucker's art work originates from his suffering -- he has the dog equivalent of multiple sclerosis (degenerative myelopathy). The results are intriguing and "expressionistic." His foster mom captures photos of his work and they will be displayed throughout the month of March.

Tickets for the Sunday open house are $30 ($50 for two, in advance). The proceeds will benefit the Sanctuary for Senior Dogs as well as the Cleveland Animal Protective League.

For further information and to learn more about Tucker, you can visit his website here.

Adventures in Customer Service

2010-02-28T06:27:00.000-08:00

Where I currently work part time, we have sensors at the doors in case someone tries to leave with merchandise. Sometimes, however, the sensor goes off when someone walks in the door. Usually they ignore this -- being instructed by a recording to see a cashier because we forgot to desensitize a product tends not to phase people who haven't bought anything yet.

Yesterday, two people were walking in the door at the same time, though not shopping together. The first one set off the sensor, but they both ignored it and kept walking. I know it was the first person, because they set it off when they left, too. The second person checked out several minutes later and, as they were walking to the doors, turned to me and asked "Why does this door talk?"

I tried to explain it quickly, without laughing, and wrote it down on a scrap of paper.

Done Embroidering

2010-02-25T10:33:00.000-08:00

Done embroidering! Hopefully will be going to print stuff for the booklet today after work.

Lorelai: So, I think I'm in touch with the other side.
Rory: The other side of…
Lorelai: The other side.
Rory: With Republicans?

Beginning a new project

2010-02-18T10:51:00.000-08:00

Actually this is an old project that I abandoned for a bit because there really was no hurry for it to be done. However, I've started it up again. This is soon to be embroidered and then will become the cover of a CD book for Season 2 of Gilmore Girls. So much for New Years resolutions.

Rory: And when I got back from Grandpa's office, they all invited me out onto the patio.
Lorelai: No no no, please tell me you did not go out onto the patio.
Rory: I went out onto the patio.
Lorelai: Ugh, Rory, that's like accepting the position as the drummer in Spinal Tap.

Gooey, Candied Pecans

2010-02-13T13:58:00.000-08:00

I don't think they were supposed to turn out gooey, but they are and so be it because they're still delicious.

You can find the recipe here.

Fingerless Gloves

2010-02-12T08:08:00.000-08:00

This is really my first completed knitting project where I followed a pattern. I also had never knitted on double-pointed needles before, but I'm glad I figured it out. I learned a ton from the pattern itself, teaching myself stitches I'd never tried before. It took some time, and after finishing the first glove I hit the part of crafty projects where I want to start something new instead of completing what I've already begun. I pushed through it, though, and maybe that can be my New Years resolution -- learn to finish what you start.

The pattern can be found here. Also, I constantly referenced this site's videos.

Puppies

2010-02-10T12:42:00.000-08:00

I volunteer at a local animal shelter where I go and walk dogs once a week. A few weeks ago two litters of german shepherd puppies came in with their moms. They had been found under a porch in Cleveland. Two other volunteers and I ooh-ed and ahh-ed over the adorable puppies when we were done with our shift. They were quickly sent to foster homes until they were old enough to come back and be adopted. About a week ago they showed up on the website and I was sure their cute little mugs would be gone by the time my day rolled around to walk dogs, so I went in to visit them early.

I love dogs and I can't wait to get one when I secure myself a full time job and an apartment. German shepherds are truly my weakness, and I hope some day I can call one my own.

I'm With Coco

2010-01-21T19:37:00.000-08:00

What with the news of Conan's leaving NBC, I figured I should solidly show my support of Mr. O'Brien. These last shows have been hilarious and I'm sad to see him go. There is so much I could say, but the situation is too messed up and complicated for there to be one person to blame, so I'll just say that NBC made some horrible mistakes and I don't think I'll be tuning in to the Tonight Show for a very long time. I have fond memories of these weeks, though, and definitely of Late Night with Conan O'Brien (like this and this). You'll be missed, Conan.

I'm with Coco.

Icicles

2010-01-13T12:36:00.000-08:00

Noticed these outside my window this morning.

holy potholes, batman

2010-01-10T10:19:00.001-08:00

Thank goodness it was pretty this morning, or my hour drive at 8 AM would have been pretty boring. I managed to snap a few photos between swerving potholes -- which brings me to some questions. It's been said that Cleveland (Northeast Ohio) has 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and construction and somehow, most of the time, this is true. Is it only us? I've seen construction in other places, of course, but every year Spring not only brings us flowers, but orange barrels as far as the eye can see. How have we not yet developed a pavement that doesn't need patched every year? The saddest part is I was driving a road that was under construction all summer long and yet I still had to watch for holes.

tremont

2009-12-28T09:47:00.000-08:00

nom nom nom

2009-12-28T07:12:00.000-08:00

I made a set of lol speak magnets for my sister and her husband for Christmas. If you aren't sure what that is, I suggest you read up on it here and here.

hello winter

2009-12-27T19:38:00.000-08:00

So much has happened since I last posted. I started a part time job and though it has absolutely nothing to do with my college degree, I'm glad to be making some money. We had to put my dog to sleep earlier this month. He was 15 years old and I still miss him every day, but realize he was in pain and was no longer the happy dog that he once was. That same week, though not planned that way, I started volunteering at the Cleveland APL (Animal Protective League) and I'm very glad that I did. It's been much easier getting over the loss of my dog when I know that once a week I can go interact with other dogs. Christmas has also come and gone. The present that this year will be remembered for in my family will probably be the Marine Corp. Dress Blues given to my father. Getting that gift together was rough, completely a group effort, and it's not over, but it was all very well worth it. I want to try and update more and will hopefully be able to since the holidays are coming to an end soon.

Woolly Bear

2009-10-06T12:55:00.000-07:00

Saw this little guy crossing the driveway when I went to bring my dog inside. Luckily the dog didn't see him until I crouched down to take a photo or he may have been eaten.

Life these days is mostly taken up with job searches. I'm not really looking forward to fall and, eventually, winter, but I'm enjoying the apple cider and hot tea that comes with the cooler weather.

Free Days at the Zoo

2009-07-24T06:57:00.000-07:00

About a week ago, my cousin and I visited the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on a Monday (Mondays are free). We ended up watching the people visiting the park more than the animals, but it was well worth it. The Zoo has a Dinosaurs exhibit going on that costs $1 to walk through (yes, even on free days). The $1 is completely worth it. The dinosaurs were amusing to look at, even when you can hear the mechanics behind them. The one pictured above would randomly spit people walking by, catching us by surprise once, and causing us to wait to capture more unsuspecting victims.

The only thing it lacked were some Velociraptors.

Watermelon Eating Contest

2009-07-12T07:47:00.000-07:00

... although my Aunt did call it the "Water-eating-melon Contest" a couple times, which we all laughed at.

Usually at family picnics/reunions we have odd games to play. Balloon toss is a staple, but this was new. Ashley didn't win, but she did give a good shot, even when a bit of watermelon went up her nose.

Please don't go and build a fence around your heart...

2009-07-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

The Rock Hall is having free concerts every other Wednesday night at 7 p.m. Last night was Man Man, with Mystery of Two opening. I wasn't thrilled about the opener, but it's truly hard to open for Man Man. The first time I saw Man Man they were opening for Ted Leo and the Pharmacists at the Beachland Ballroom. I went to see Ted Leo, because I love him, but was completely blown away by Man Man. They are crazy, their music is indefinable, and they move seamlessly from song to song without pausing to talk to the crowds at a frantic pace. They were wonderful last night and there seemed to be a good turnout. I was too far back to snap any pictures of them, but when I was leaving I did take the time to capture probably the most beautiful Cleveland sunset I had ever seen. Lindsey was spot on when she said it looked like something you'd see in Florida. Until, of course, you look over the chain railing and spot a deflated beach ball floating with random debris, including a dead fish. Florida we are not, but happy Cleveland Sunset, anyway.

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Who's Loving You

2009-07-08T10:36:00.000-07:00

I attended a candle light vigil for Michael Jackson at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame last night with my cousin Ashley. You could get in line and go inside the lobby of the Rock Hall to take a picture with the big guitar that is painted for Michael. As you exited you could take a candle and a sheet detailing what was going to be happening. Thankfully, Ashley brought votive candles for she and I. "It's Lake Erie, folks," as one announcer said when candles kept going out.

After we took photos of the guitar we stood around outside (by the Johnny Cash Tour Bus) and waited, not sure what to do. There was a little girl there dressed (somewhat) like Michael Jackson. Her family had even put some make up on her and whenever an MJ song came on from his solo career (thank God she didn't attempt any Jackson 5 songs) she would go in front of her family and start dancing. At one point a crowd gathered to watch her. Sure, she was cute, but she was just doing moves she probably learned in a dance class and her attempt at a Moonwalk was walking backwards. Perhaps I ask too much. Thankfully a guy, also dressed like MJ, entered the circle and began to put her to shame, actually doing spins and MJ moves.

The night was interesting at least, and I'm glad I went. There were supposedly a lot of people there, but Ashley and I were close to the front and I couldn't really tell.

Goodbye Apartment

2009-06-27T13:13:00.000-07:00

I'm moving out of my apartment this weekend. It's been stressful packing up my life to move back to my parent's house. I wish I knew what my next step in life was going to be, but so far all I have is "find a job."

I should update with more photos of the plants, but suffice to say they're doing well. The green beans are doing better than the snap peas, whose growth seems to be stunted. No flowering yet for them. The tiny little green beans are adorable, however. I'm not sure where the plants will end up in the house or if I will let them brave the elements outdoors. We have a lot of rabbits around my parent's house and I would fear for the little plants. Plus I love seeing them on the window sill. It's the first time I haven't completely killed a plant.

I'm Only Human

2009-06-26T16:21:00.000-07:00

When I was little we borrowed the album Thriller on vinyl from my Uncle and promptly held onto it for months. I remember watching the videos on TV. I remember thinking the music video for the song Thriller was the greatest thing I had ever seen. My sister and I got Dangerous and Bad from the library. We knew all the songs and were in love with this crazy, dancing man, whose skin we didn't notice fade from black to white and whose shrinking nose we had no concerns about.

I vividly remember laying in the back of my aunt's van (she had taken the back seats out for some reason and my sister, cousin and I layed down for the ride). She was dropping us off at home after babysitting us and we were at that point waiting for my parents to come back. She began singing Barney for some reason and, in agony, to cover her singing, we all began humming the theme to Free Willy. Ridiculous? Embarrassing? Pathetic? Nonsense. Greatness, I tell you. Pure genius.

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I moved on in my musical tastes, slightly disturbed by what happened between he and the press. I didn't quite care to understand, and I retained what memories I had of him and what he used to be to me. I didn't pay much attention to legal cases from then on, although I hope Paul McCartney gets the rights back to the Beatles songs and I wonder what will become of Michael's kids and if we will hear from any of them when they get older. Will one of them choose a singing career? I hope not. I hope they're incredibly normal. I doubt it, though, not when you can watch video of your Dad dangling you over a balcony. Oh well.

Smooth Criminal might be my favorite video. Of course I love Thriller, but this one also contains my memories of watching the movie Moonwalker when I was little (and today -- I have it on DVD thanks to Ed). It's incredibly long and almost overly dramatic, but not in the way Remember the Time or The Way You Make Me Feel are. The dancing is glorious and I still don't understand the weird lean. The breakdown in the middle is ridiculous and almost too sexual for him, as ironic as that sounds. And hell, I'm pretty sure it's the only video you'll ever see Michael shooting people. I want to find a hat like he wears in this video. I would wear it proudly.

Illustrator Fun

2009-05-28T14:09:00.000-07:00

For one of my final projects last semester we were put into groups and allowed to make any sort of infographic that we wanted. The professor suggested a How To and our group immediately jumped on that. This was part of my work for it. Every day after class I craved grilled cheese.

Hello Independent Study

2009-05-26T18:11:00.000-07:00

More when I borrow a better camera.

Green is my favorite color

2009-05-26T18:01:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month I planted some green beans and snap peas to grow in my apartment. I have a nice window seat in my living room that I don't really use, so I thought it would be perfect for some little plants. I feel like I waited an eternity for them to sprout, but since then they've been growing every day, it seems.

I feel like I should give them names. Regardless, you'll see a lot of them on the blog, as I have little else going on right now beyond work and job hunting.

Singing in the sunshine, laughing in the rain.

2009-04-16T10:15:00.000-07:00

Poor Morris Louis. There was no debate during my Art of the 1960s class -- his work was not art. Students likened his experiments with pouring paint to color theory classes. I stayed silent, of course, but I didn't mind the colors he used in his works. They reminded me of fabric patters at times, especially a few I had come across in a few boxes of scraps that my mom has. A few I even wished were fabric, as they would make great shirts or hoodies.

The straight lines of color washing down the canvas let me know Frank Stella would be our next artist. I can't believe it, sometimes. If Louis isn't art, then the happenings are bogus in my mind. Oh well. Perhaps he wanted to be a designer all along and was just playing around with line.

On another note, I began reading up about growing plants indoors. I saw a photo of a cucumber plant and I couldn't stop smiling. I remember having a garden when I was little and most of the time growing up. It seemed like a chore, but in the years we didn't have it I truly missed it. Now, in my apartment, and annoyed by the produce I see in the stores (and the prices), I think I'll do something with the huge window seat that I never sit on.

Chicago

2009-04-02T09:20:00.000-07:00

It figures that the only two photos I take in Chicago are of a building that's being torn down.

Oh, well. It was nice to get away from Kent for awhile and really was a good trip.

It's Nanerpus!

2009-03-06T06:17:00.000-08:00

ps. the comments work now.

We don't need no CPK

2009-03-03T15:23:00.000-08:00

(actually, i'd still go. shh)

A few days ago we set to replicating a California Pizza Kitchen favorite. Ed first had it in Chicago and would occasionally remind me about how great it was. I had never even heard of CPK before him and BLT Pizza was even more foreign to me. Then, earlier this year, I treated him to it when we visited the Apple Store in Legacy Village (sadly, Ed's hard drive gave out and after the bad news that a recovery wasn't likely, I had to do something to try and cheer him up). It was good, I was impressed, but I pointed out we could probably make it ourselves instead of trekking to East Cleveland. And so we did.

Oh, and thanks Dad for the pizza crust mixes and pizza sauce for Christmas. It was an odd gift, but it's worked out pretty well.

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Kalloori Vanil

2009-02-28T19:24:00.000-08:00

"Bollywood in short is a really, really cheesy movie with a hell of a lot of songs and dancing around trees." -- Sahil "Demonstealer" Makhija from Demonic Resurrection

Home Sweet Home

2009-02-28T11:43:00.000-08:00

You know you're in Fairview when while driving at about 6:15pm you spot a kid in his front yard with his book bag still on and, oh yeah, he's playing a flute. I will never understand this place.

Wedding Pie

2009-02-26T16:09:00.001-08:00

God, I love Two and a Half Men.

I've never understood Andy Warhol (and a lot of art, I'll admit). I'm a graphic designer and, perhaps, that makes me unworthy of the art world. I do/will work for money in a sense; I am commissioned. But I suppose then we can call the WPA workers Illustrators. Art and Design are synonymous to me at times, but it's so much more complicated than that and, of course, other people would disagree with me. They might say all design is art or perhaps none is art.

I've been to the Warhol museum in Pittsburgh and I enjoy some of it, especially the room with the silver balloons. But some of it I look at and imagine a graphic design work could have been hung next to it and would have nearly as much merit. I suppose I'm not an art conosieur. Is it the fact that he plays with the colors? I just don't get it. I almost feel like I can't be considered an intellectual because I can't grasp the genius of Andy Warhol.

This is why I think Andy Warhol is a hack: he took the work of a graphic designer, reproduced it with paint, and all of a sudden it was considered art. I've heard that it all has to do with money. The designer was paid to make that design or logo while Andy Warhol did it for art's sake. How does that make it art, though? The images are the exact same. There is no creativity involved, in fact, it could be simple paint by number, yet the graphic design work is considered commercial work and Warhol's version is Pop art. If someone could explain it to me, I'm willing to learn.

Torture

2009-02-24T12:06:00.000-08:00

Whenever I'm bored at work (and have given up on the crossword and sudoku puzzle) I end up checking my favorite sites online and this one has held my attention fairly solidly for the past few months. I've gone through a lot of the archives, have a whole window of Firefox dedicated to recipes I'm meaning to jot down (several tabs worth...), and continue to torture myself with her scrumptious photography day after day. Today's torture? Soft pretzels...