spin a yarn and weave a tale

formspring.me

2011-12-21T20:15:00.001-08:00

Words go below. http://www.formspring.me/rblackbird

formspring.me

2011-12-21T20:14:00.001-08:00

Words go below. http://www.formspring.me/rblackbird

formspring.me

2011-05-15T22:01:00.001-07:00

Words go below. http://formspring.me/rblackbird

formspring.me

2011-04-25T17:55:00.001-07:00

Words go below. http://formspring.me/rblackbird

What is your favourite book?

2010-12-06T18:34:00.001-08:00

Alice's Adventures In Wonderland

Ask me anything

rBlackbird, Did you know that you can watch Sherlock online by using this link? http://video.pbs.org/video/1619685888/ A Friend.

2010-11-30T16:23:00.001-08:00

You are a friend, indeed.

I've watched A Study In Pink, and I have to concentrate on the keyboard, or else I'll type to fast. Which only happens when I'm very angry or very happy. In this case, it is very much happy with a small, yet potent side of annoyance. Stylewise, epic win. I'd let the vulgar language and certain references drop out, though. It's not really an interpretation, but I think they actually took the Victorian stories and pulled it through to modern day, with BEAUTIFUL success :)

I love the apartment. And the coat. And Mycroft. AAAHAHAHA MYCROFT. He played Lazarus in the Doctor Who episode.
But please, PLEASE tell me Mrs. Hudson gives back the skull.

Ask me anything

What is the meaning of life?

2010-11-24T21:49:00.001-08:00

"Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind," as it says in Ecclesiastes 12. But what does that mean, exactly? Not many people are too keen on diving into the Bible but, if you feel up to it, I'd suggest reading through the book of Ecclesiastes. If you do, drop me another message sometime, and we can talk about it.

If you're not, I shall clarify. ;D (or you can read it anyway)
It's about holding on tight enough to stand for what's important, but holding loosely enough not to needlessly hurt yourself. I say "needlessly" in relation to the way we tend to complicate and try to control life. Bad things happen but, if you let yourself be defined by bad things, you're going to hurt yourself much more than you would be if you let things alone. The physical world is nothing compared to the big picture. If we let ourselves get so wrapped up in something that isn't worth nearly as much as others would have us to believe, we will miss out on what's really important -- that which is beyond the physical.

Life is about the effort to find the truth in matters, in the most objective sense. Not necessarily justice or fairness, but clarity and calmness of mind, and an effort to be content. It's not about having the perfect life with a dream husband/wife, huge house, tons of friends, but about a different kind of perfection that I don't know many are willing to work to achieve. "Inner Truth" could mean one of two things. From my point of view, it often means that someone wants to believe something and, therefore, struggles to make everything they see in life fit to their own standards to justify their actions and make everything they do "ok." The second "Inner Truth" is the only real truth, which I believe is the main point of life as a whole.

As that one crazy dude Aristotle said: "It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." TRUE "Inner Truth" is cultivating the method by which we see the world, and applying it to everything, even when fantastic and terrible things happen that try and make us forget that everything humans are is not on the ground or in it. It's the search for fact, even when it may contradict something we've previously held as true, and looking at things to find what's real and important, ultimately good and right, and forgetting our shells enough to do something about it, and doing our best to never falter, even when we make mistakes.

And that, my friend, is the meaning of life.

Ask me anything

Why are you so awesome?

2010-11-14T10:38:00.001-08:00

Why are YOU awesome? Oh, that's right, because you're in my formspring. :3 I'm sure there are other reasons you are so awesome but, due to the fact that your little icon is only an outline, I can't begin to guess them.

I'm trying to think of how to ask why you think I'm awesome without coming across as fishing for compliments, because I'm not -- merely curious because, as most of us know, we all need encouragement now and then. But I can't think of how to say that without conjuring an image of *grabby hands* in the mind if the interrogator, so I'll shut up now.

Ask me anything

Faux fur, scarves, cardigans, paperbag skirts… what are your favorite holiday style trends this year?

2010-11-14T10:33:00.001-08:00

... paper ... bag ... skirts ...

not that one.

I don't really do trends, but I like Fall, because I get to unpack all my favorite clothes that I put away for the summer. Jackets. I'm big on jackets. Mostly long ones, and black. My favorite Fall/Winter combination is a knee-length black wool coat with black leather gloves and a handknit scarf. I have plenty of scarves to wear this year *YAAAAAAY* ehem.

Ask me anything

Shiny Things: Minimalist Animation

2010-11-11T17:19:00.000-08:00

If everyone had their own small planet to live on and care for (like in The Little Prince), what would your planet be like?

2010-11-08T15:18:00.001-08:00

I don't know what this "Little Prince" is that you refer to, but I like the question.

The weather would always be comfortable - if it snows you can always go out and play in it, if it's warm you can still run around in the park. The technology would appear quite steampunk, but with usual computerization - everything would keep a certain art in it. There would be an abundance of traveling performers and people who just want to travel, because that kind of fear of strangers would be eliminated on both sides.

A big library would be in every city, where everyone could go and learn things whenever they wanted, and assumptions would be kept at bay until facts were found, allowing people to treat each other better. People would have their given names, but an alternative, self-chosen name would be the usual. There would be zero mainstream fashion, zero income tax and top hats would come into fashion every few years.

Can't think if I'm forgetting anything, but there you go.

Ask me anything

Watch this. Watch this now.

2010-10-18T13:44:00.000-07:00

Roar.

2010-10-07T10:42:00.001-07:00

Snorkel. See, I can do it too.~

Ask me anything

Blackbird Books: Bunnicula

2010-10-03T16:11:00.000-07:00

I asked you that because I was extremely bored and you always write interesting answers.

2010-09-27T11:32:00.001-07:00

Why thank you :]

Ask me anything

Who is the greatest person ever, in your opinion?

2010-09-27T09:38:00.001-07:00

Aside from Jesus and the single-faced religious debate that would almost surely follow, my main answer is similar to when someone asked me "who is the most beautiful person ever?"

I think many people are great, but I am not someone that knows people so well that I award them a title, publicly or privately. And I must also account for the fact that most people fluctuate in their greatness, or eventually abandon it altogether. In my opinion, the main thing that makes someone great is an outlook of not caring if they're "great." Think of it this way: If you have to prove to someone that you're cool, you aren't.

I live in stories. Some of my greatest heroes are not real people. I love Sherlock Holmes, John Boy Walton and Hermione Granger, to name only a few. In this world, I know someone who thinks the best of people, which makes them great. I know someone else who is honest, which does the same, especially because it's hard to be honest with *yourself. And now, I have a question for *YOU.

Why did you ask me this?

Ask me anything

Is Anterria going to be released here in the UK in the forseeable future?

2010-09-24T15:37:00.001-07:00

The self-publishing company that I'm going through has a system that releases it to major booksellers of the Amazon.com variety, and also through the Ingram booklist. That means that it will be available to any bookstore or library to buy. I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "released," but I hope that answers your question :] If it doesn't show up in your local library, you could always request it.

Ask me anything

Where are you planning on going for your book tour?

2010-09-23T15:55:00.001-07:00

It's not quite indepth as a "book tour," but I like to call it that :P The places I have planned so far are on the line of Colorado, Montana and Washington State. There are a lot more places I'd like to go, but I don't think that's possible this time around. The books will show up in libraries of places I haven't planned to visit, though.

Ask me anything

The Traveling Scarf Tradition

2010-09-23T11:36:00.000-07:00

Traveling scarves are a long Zion Academy tradition. In addition to being an important staple of any student’s winter wardrobe, if made properly, these simple articles may offer more protection than simply from the blasting winds.

A proper traveling scarf is always hand made(talons, paws, tentacles or other extremities will do). Each stitch is infused with the elemental energies of the creator, which gives its practical uses as trans-spatial marker, temporal signature and deflector of a variety of other cosmic anomalies.

The scarves are almost unlimited in appearance, but are usually striped. The placing of sections on the article serves to organize the subtext into simpler codes, creating longer-lasting charms. Formatting of a scarf is much like formatting any other work of words -- composition depends on the function intended. There are nearly endless combinations of stitches, lengths, edgings and colors that may be used to customize this piece of wearable protection.

The following is an excerpt from the booklet ”Traveling Scarves by Doris Dwarves,” considered the primary resource on the subject:

“When undertaking the practical crafts, one must exercise caution when dealing with raw energies. Traveling scarves are no exception. A good student of the elements will take careful note of the color’s nature and be well-versed in various contexts and combinations. Several of the basic combinations follow:

Black/Dark with -
Green/Earth - physical strength, repells toxins
Blue/Water - promotes mental clarity, prevents confusion
Red/Fire - boosts stamina, Berserker state known to occur
Pink/Spirit - boosts confidence, repells violent spirits
Orange/Air - boosts eloquence, repells mishap
Purple/Time - slows or speeds time almost intangibly, attracts nightmare
Yellow/Luck - produces energy of motion and mind
White/Light - promotes contrast, enabling decisions
Gray/Somnia - boosts instinct for danger

White with -
Orange - suspends fatigue
Gray - boosts instinct for opportunity

Others -
Green/Blue - produces a calming effect, repells rain water
Green/Orange - promotes mental clarity and repells mishap
Purple/Yellow - promotes resource and heightened luck, renders negative charms inaffective
Purple/Gray - boosts instinct and premonition by dreams

“If any licensed scarf-maker, or student with Professor-signed advocate slip has any combination to add to this list, please send the information by any means practical to:

Doris Dwarves
c/o R. Blackbird
Desk 9, Tower 4, Scribe’s Division
Zion Academy, New Midnight Branch”

Scarves Registered Under Published Patterns

Crocheted Vertical Stripe

Free Pattern: Traveling Scarf -- Vertical Rendition

2010-09-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

This pattern came about purely by chance. A few years ago I was asked to make a scarf for someone, and was given a small skein of yarn that had me cringing at the limited possibilities. So, through trial and error and weaseling the yarn into various previously unheard-of stitches, the scarf finally did what I wanted, and this pattern was created.

It doesn't use much yarn, and feeds my obsession with stripes. The uncommon stitch makes it wonderfully squishy, even if you make it as thin as the instructions below. Use scraps of all colors, or stick with two, mess with the colors to make your own perfect scarf!

There is another meaning attached to the "traveling" part of this title, which you can red about here.

YOU NEED:
~75 Yards of both colors
Size I(5.5 mm) crochet hook(or a close size)

SPECIAL SKILLS:

BHDC - Base Half Double Crochet - Ch2, YO, insert hook into 1st chain, pull through, YO, pull through 3 loops, ch1, repeat basic instructions into the side of what you just made.

HDC - Half Double Crochet - YO, insert hook into next st, pull through, YO, pull through 3 loops.

LT - Leave Tail - At the beginning of a row, leave a tail as long as desired fringe, ch2 through side of last row, continue on. At the end of a row, ch1, cut as long as desired fringe, thread through the chain and pull. You'll get the hang of it.

Adding fringe.

PATTERN:

Rows are written out from the center row. So, for row 2, you would complete it on both sides of the base row. That would make these 5 rows really 9 rows, because center+4x2=9.

Always crochet in the natural direction you would if working with a single skein and not leaving tails.

Center row(color1): LT, BHDC 210, LT
Row 2-4(alternating colors): LT, HDC across, LT

Add fringe to taste.

And that's all there is to it!
You can add as many rows to each side as you want, depending on how wide you like your scarves.

Who is the most beautiful person ever?

2010-09-20T12:33:00.001-07:00

MEEEEE! Just kidding. Duhrrr.

I hesitate to give answers on questions like this because 1) that's quite a definitive phrase: "Most ever," and 2) I can't help but feel that these questions are somewhat leading. Because if I don't say "YOU!" I feel like there's something fishy going on.

So I will tell you what makes a beautiful person.
A certain sense of honesty and tact. A life above pressure to act, say and think true to majority. Courage, confidence, curiosity. Energy of mind. Kindness, thoughfulness. Thinking before speaking.

Does that answer your question? :]

Ask me anything

Do you have any suggestions about writing short stories?

2010-09-15T14:32:00.001-07:00

I haven't done many short stories, mainly because I'm not very good at them. (Or is it the other way around?) But, I do have suggestions based on what's helped me in the past.

It definitely helps to tone down the idea in general. It's hard to write a short story when the concept calls for drawn maps, the fate of the universe, etc... so I'd keep the main idea down to a short sentence and try to pull off the writing as quickly as possible. In my experience, it's easier to put in more detail than take out.

I hope that helps :D

Ask me anything

2010-09-15T13:44:00.000-07:00

Blackbird Books Update

2010-09-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

Do you live now where you were born & raised?

2010-09-14T16:39:00.001-07:00

Nope. At the moment, I live on the east coast. I used to live in the Northwest. I think that's where I got my love for terrible weather.

Ask me anything

Free Knitting Pattern: NinGinn Gauntlets

2010-09-13T15:38:00.000-07:00

YOU NEED:
a set of US6 DPNs or circular needle
cable needle
some scrap yarn

CO 40

Round 1: *K4, P1* repeat to the end
Round 2: *K4, P1, BC, FC, P1* repeat to the end
Round 3-5:*K4, P1* repeat to the end
Round 6:*BC, FC, P1, K4, P1* repeat to the end
Round 7: *K4, P1* repeat to the end

Repeat rows 2-5 three more times.

Using scrap yarn, knit 7 sts.
Put the seven sts back onto the left-hand needle.
Using working yarn, continue in pattern for 2 repeats.

BO in pattern.

THUMB:

Pick up 7 sts from the bottom row, 7 sts from the top row.
Knit 5 rounds in pattern. BO loosely, in pattern.

...well, she's 'fundamentalist' (spelling?) so she's basically not allowed to read HP or anything really exciting. It's rather hard to come up with story ideas for her...

2010-09-11T09:52:00.001-07:00

Is it just Harry Potter or all magical/supernatural stories? I know of people who are strictly against Harry Potter, but are happy with Mary Poppins, The Chronicles of Narnia, etc. Without knowing the finer points of what her family believes about fiction, that was my first thought.

If they want to exclude supernatural elements altogether, I would suggest historical fiction. It's not usually my first choice, being more inclined to flying books and glowing things, but I've read some historical stories that were amazing(Jane Eyre, Sherlock Holmes, the Dear America series). Your friend might even like to write something around the time of the Bible.

Ask me anything

My friend wants to write an 'exciting' book and she wants me to help. Suggestions?

2010-09-10T14:14:00.001-07:00

Well, that all depends on what her definition of "exciting" is. Is it dragons and swords, car chases and explosions, or highschool drama? First, she needs to mull it over a while and let herself be led to what she wants to be "exciting."

After she decides what general style she likes, there's one thing that I tell *everyone* who wants to write: Put yourself into the story. There's nothing new under the sun, so don't stress about "oh no, that's in another story!" stuff. It may be the same premise but, if you really make a story your own, it will have a different spin, because you are a unique writer.

Ask me anything

How many novels have you written?

2010-09-10T13:59:00.001-07:00

As in, finished the rough draft of? Three. There's "Blackbird,"(see previous question) "Anterria" and "Midorein."

Anterria is just about to be printed, and you can request it at your library or buy it from my site once it's up and running. Midorein is the next in the series, which will hopefully come out sometime next year.

Blackbird is a huge artistic rant set in a vaguely victorian city, with lots of bad weather and dust. I don't know that I'll ever polish it. It's still there, though.

Ask me anything

How did the nickname Blackbird come about?

2010-09-10T13:53:00.001-07:00

Originally, it was the name of a character of mine who was inspired by some costumes from victorian movies and the Beatles song "Blackbird." The novel is still on the shelf but, while writing it, I noticed that the "Blackbird" of the unnamed city was quite like myself and, therefore, I started using the name for chatrooms and random things like that.

I've kept the name so far because it's since developed more into "me" than the old character. It doesn't refer to "blackbird" the species, but "a black bird," which encompasses crows, ravens, etc, which I think are quite beautiful :D And, if you know me at all, you might find some similarities between our aethstetic.

Ask me anything

Frames of Life

2010-09-07T13:20:00.000-07:00

Knitting Pattern: Lolita Bows

2010-09-06T17:51:00.001-07:00

[PHOTO TO COME]

YOU NEED:
Size 1(US) knitting needles
a small ball of scrap yarn.
tapestry needle that works with your yarn.

(these bows use almost nothing)
Gauge isn't really important for these.

TO KNIT:

CO 11

Work in stockinette for 48 rows.
Work Kitchener stitch to join the end to the finished edge of the beginning, set aside.

CO 5

Work stockinette for 15 rows.

Flatten the larger piece you sewed together, with the invisible seam in the center.

Position the smaller piece over the middle of the bigger one, and pull the ends together.

Work Kitchener Stitch to join the end to the finished edge of the beginning.
Weave in ends however you see fit.

Attach to a headband, pin to your lapel, into your hair, or anything else you might think of! ♥

BlackbirdBooks Reviews: Sherlock Holmes

2010-08-29T19:29:00.001-07:00

I Don't Care For Cooking...

2010-08-26T12:07:00.000-07:00

...but I love food for thought.

"Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself,
but talent instantly recognizes genius."

"When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains,
however improbable, must be the truth."

"There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact."

"For strange effects and extraordinary combinations we must go
to life itself, which is always far more daring than any effort of the imagination."

"A man should keep his little brain attic stocked with all the furniture
that he is likely to use, and the rest he can put away in the
lumber-room of his library, where he can get it if he wants it."

- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle -

Company Car by Switchfoot

2010-08-16T12:54:00.000-07:00

Sad But Funny: The Haircut

2010-08-16T11:36:00.001-07:00

One day a florist went to a barber for a haircut. After the cut, he asked about his bill, and the barber replied, 'I cannot accept money from you, I'm doing community service this week.' The florist was pleased and left the shop. When the barber went to open his shop the next morning, there was a 'thank you' card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.

Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replied, 'I cannot accept money from you , I'm doing community service this week.' The cop was happy and left the shop. The next morning when the barber went to open up, there was a 'thank you' card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door.

Then a Congressman came in for a haircut, and when he went to pay his bill, the barber again replied, 'I can not accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The Congressman was very happy and left the shop. The next morning, when the barber went to open up, there were a dozen Congressmen lined up waiting for a free haircut.

not written by me.

Hey, Jude

2010-08-10T17:05:00.000-07:00

Real Artists: Doubting Thomas

2010-08-06T17:47:00.000-07:00

Dat's mah BROTHA! :D

If you could accomplish one goal in your life with no limits (budget, time, physical abilities, etc.), what would it be?

2010-08-05T18:46:00.001-07:00

There are a lot of goals I have, but only one, I think, that I would put as the answer to the question. I want to branch my humble little nickname into a publishing company called Blackbird Books. It would be tailored mostly for new, young (good) authors who are intimidated by the unfriendly industry, and would have the reputation for printing good books, not just what's currently popular.

Though there would obviously be a lot of rejections, if there were, truly, no limits, I'd personally write a review of each one sent back, so the writer would be able to improve on it if they agreed. I think it would be much better than a simple "No, thanks."

The company would become the name in the fiction world standing for higher standards, and the reference for parents and anyone else who wants to take a closer look at any book.

I'll be answering this question on video in a couple weeks. If you're interested, see my blog for more details.

Ask me anything

Dark Diversions: Welcome to the Black Parade

2010-08-05T11:53:00.000-07:00

This is one of the first songs I ever got hyped up over.
It was one of the handful of things that sort of triggered
the development of my current style.
I still love it.
And I think I always will.

Night

2010-08-01T22:02:00.000-07:00

a poem for the darker hours

rainy nights and bright go lights
gilded ghosts and stringless kites
silver stars hung from the trees
and all my dreams in front of me

living water molds the road
while specters dance and silence goads
a mortal hand to take the pen
and to defy earth's wisest men

a staircase stained with vivid ink
the way is long, there's time to think
with foresight I'll escape the hours
locked within the poet's tower

Crafty Lightning: An Uncommon Craft...

2010-07-31T15:02:00.000-07:00

I made paper beads yesterday.

They are made from the draft pages of The Storytellers: Anterria, and each one is ~1 inch long. I'll be using all or most of my draft pages in papercrafts to sell on my etsy store along with copies of the book.

Why is Eragon so bad?

2010-07-26T11:32:00.001-07:00

I don't think it's written very well. In my opinion, it's needlessly wordy and could have been a much thinner book without taking away from the essence. Quality does not go up with word count.

I'm not trying to say I flat-out hate Eragon and/or Paolini. It takes guts to finish a book and see it through to a hard copy. There are a lot of other books that I don't think are written very well, and that people love. When people on the other side ask me what I think of them, I want to be honest(though tactfully), even if it seems like they're looking for a fight over something so petty.

I'm sure there are books you don't like that I would defend in a heartbeat.

Ask me anything

why do you think that the golden compass series should never have been written?

2010-07-25T16:26:00.001-07:00

http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp

Ask me anything

what is, in your opinion, the worst book in the world?

2010-07-25T12:51:00.001-07:00

In terms of never-shoulda'been-written-ness, it's the Golden Compass series, which is annoying, because they're so well written. Look up some interviews if you don't know what I'm talking about.

In terms of plain quality...the tie goes to Eragon and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

Ask me anything

Recent Projects: Amigurumi and Randomness

2010-07-22T14:32:00.000-07:00

I'm really loving amigurumi at the moment!
I hope to have several animals up on my etsy shop fairly soon.
Contact me if there's a specific animal you want to buy.

Oh, yes, and...

Я изучаю русский язык!

I'm learning Russian!
For no apparent reason!

Я серьезен.

Theme of the Era

2010-07-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

1 Peter 3:8-17

2010-07-14T22:04:00.000-07:00

8Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
9Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

10For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. 11He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. 12For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

17It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Dark Diversions: Vincent

2010-07-10T17:57:00.000-07:00

"If" by Rudyard Kipling

2010-07-05T16:35:00.000-07:00

If

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!

~Kipling

Who is the most attractive person you know?

2010-06-30T10:30:00.001-07:00

This is usually one of those generated questions that I skip but, since someone actually asked it, I'll give it a go. I'm not going to slap a name on here, no. That would be way too easy ;)

Though I definitely have thoughts on what's outwardly attractive, that's not the most important. (though, I will admit, most on the list quite resemble vampires, telephone poles, and time/space-travelers) There are a lot of *faces* that I like, but attractive minds are much harder to come by.

They must keep themselves from drawing lines where there are none, and treat people as people foremost. A nine-year-old who refuses to associate with a six-year-old is a brat, but why is a high school senior beating up(or even just hating) a freshman, simply because of the fact, acceptable? I have these pesky scruples over people treating each other in illogical, overly-complicated, selfish ways.

Ask me anything

The Question You've Always Wanted to Ask, But Were Too Afraid of the Answer

2010-06-24T20:40:00.000-07:00

Go here:
http://www.formspring.me/rblackbird

As Recited by Edwin Carp

2010-06-19T18:43:00.000-07:00

"Feet" by Scoutmaster Allen
A Poem glorifying the pedal extremities.

You need feet to stand up straight with,
You need feet to kick your friends,
You need feet to keep your socks on,
And stop your legs from fraying at the ends.
You need feet to stand on tippy-toe,
Or to dance the hootchie-koo.
Yes, the whole world needs feet for something,
And I need feet to run away from you.

"Courage"

There came a giant to my door,
A giant big and strong.
His arms were thirty inches thick,
His legs were twelve yards long.

He scowled, he frowned,
He shook the ground,
I trembled through and through.
And then I looked him in the face,
And said, "Who cares for you?"

And he hit me.

"Perseverance"

Somebody said it couldn't be done,
But he with a chuckle replied,
"Maybe it couldn't, but I will be one,
Who'll never say 'No!' 'til I've tried."

So he buckled right in,
With a trace of a grin
On his face, if he worried he hid it.
And he tackled the thing that couldn't be done,

And he couldn't do it.

Wait, what?

2010-06-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

"Which one should I drink first?"
"Both of them. At the SAME TIME!"

The Snark made me do it.

This Weekend

2010-06-14T11:02:00.000-07:00

"I thank my God every time I remember you."
Philipians 1:3

Hey, guesswhat.

2010-06-09T12:57:00.000-07:00

I'm back.

Click for bigger.

update from vacation.

2010-06-02T18:50:00.001-07:00

No pictures, because I don't know how to put them into the computer I'm using. Ah, well. I promise there will be a mind-bending amount of images one I can upload them. But, for now, here's an update in text:

* Heroine has half of one sleeve! Yay! I think this will be the first wearable knitting that I've actually finished.

*Finished my Slytherin Bag, complete with lining and strap. The lining ran a bit small, so the sewing is a bit warped, but I love it, and am very satisfied.

* Phasmatis Apparatus(fancy latin name for my neck warmers) is now an actual chart. Also the first time I've charted my own lace. I hope to refine it a little more and sell headbands, neckwarmers, etc, on my etsy shop. (Phasmatis Apparatus is ghost in the machine, a reference to one of my characters who would like to wear the piece.)

* I'm slowly chipping away at the rough draft of my third book. It's that point in the plot where I know what needs to happen, but there's just enough haziness for it to be a little tough actually writing it down. Almost through the tough part, though, and then on to some easier parts. Not necessarily more interesting, but what comes more easily.

* My doll for the Stitch London project is almost complete! I just need to make her a pair of pants, and she'll be set to send off.

stitch london supplies.

2010-05-16T18:53:00.001-07:00

I have what I need to start the doll, as pictured so artfully below:

That, in addition to a few colors of felt. I'm hoping it will be enough for me to make two of me, and one of Paris Emery, one of the fictional characters I would really love to have a mini version of.

The main problem at the moment, though, is that I'm on the verge of a rather long and wonderful vacation, and I feel a migraine coming on. If I miss my train tomorrow, I'm going to kill something.

If I am able to avoid turning into a total berserk mess, I plan to knit myself (or at least attempt to knit myself) Marilyn Phillipi's Tilting Tardis(which shall be renamed This Way to Gallifrey, because it's late, I have a headache, and I'm that way anyway), and a Slytherin rendition of the HP Fairisle Pouch Bag. Wish me luck!

My next post will hopefully come with fantastic images of magically knitted creations. The fact of how many times I've had to edit this post for typos lets me know how badly I need to finish packing and SLEEP. Ug.

Crafty Lightning: Stitch London

2010-05-13T10:26:00.000-07:00

Well, I've gotten myself into some trouble.
I saw this over at the Knit Me! blog and, as I title these posts of sudden and electrifying inspiration, I was struck with a bolt of Crafty Lightning.

clicketh!
Picture from the site. Not meh.

From the Stitch London site:

Stitch London has teamed up with London’s Science Museum to create a Stitch Yourself exhibit for the re-opening of their Who Am I? gallery in June 2010. You are invited to contribute a tiny Stitched Self and take part in scientific stitching history.

You can send in your contributions from anywhere in the world.

Those who know me offline...
would it be possible to borrow a set of size 4 DPNs?

Yes, I would get hyped up over something when I don't have all the supplies.
Oh, and guess what?

Article: "Whoever wishes to be a friend of the world..."

2010-05-10T12:02:00.000-07:00

from "Blameless and Harmless," by William Sipling.

“You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”
- James 4:4, NASB

Have you ever wanted to could go with your friends to that big party? Have you ever been walking down the street, and just wished you could steal another glance at that good-looking guy or girl – even though you know you probably shouldn’t? Have you ever wanted to tag along to that movie… the one that everyone’s going to… and, you know, there’s only that one scene that isn’t really the greatest. (more)

recent projects

2010-05-07T10:48:00.000-07:00

And some stuff I actually finished! Hurrah!

These are the infamous Werewolf Mitts, made with my handspun wool yarn. 100% wool. Not 98, not 75, but 100%, handspun, handplied wool. I'm quite proud of them, can't you tell?

This is my first double knitting project with two colors, and I had a very bad time starting it. Maybe it was because it was so late. I restarted it a few(felt like several) times, and now it's going fantastically! The edges are a little...odd, but I don't mind. It's working, and showing up!

The train car charts I'm using are from Laura Chamberlain's "Chugga Chugga". I'd been looking for a good train chart, but hadn't found anything I particularly liked. I call my own work Space Train, after the shiny cosmic train in The Storytellers :)

Blackbird Books Reviews ----

2010-05-02T12:44:00.000-07:00

Blackbird Books is my company that promotes clean books for kids(of all ages), and good attitudes toward reading, writing, and art of all mediums.

Crafty Lightning: Etsy and Other Yarn

2010-05-01T19:27:00.000-07:00

I made two sales today! *completely lame girly-squeal* The only problem is, it's to a country I never conceived I would need to ship to, and therefore had not adjusted the shipping rate appropriately. Pray for me that the US Postal Service has a livesaving rate to Sweden. Seriously.

But on a lighter note. I guess.
Someone had recently called attention to a mistake in my knitting, that I have now corrected. The problem with that, though, is that I feel the need to go back a re-knit everything I've made so far, which isn't going to be fun, no matter how obligated I feel.

A friend of mine, who is teaching me to spin, let me borrow her spinning wheel! I've made a bit of wool 2-ply so far, but to the left is a photo I took when I was about halfway through. Fun stuff. I plan to spin some light tan and some more dark brown and put it together, for the sake of some awesome, funky-looking yarn. I've been knitting some with my attempt at 2-plying on my drop spindle. The yarn isn't perfectly balanced, but it stays together well enough.

I put my handspun yarn in my stash on Ravelry and, in the long tradition of spinners and other crafters, took it upon myself to name it something vague and artsy. My thick, slightly scratchy wool handspun shall henceforth be known as Bledig, the Welsh word for "like a wolf." This particular colorway is called Wooden, because I've been knitting 1x1 ribbing, and it looks like tree bark.

(My name on Ravelry is Madhat, by the way. Stalk me.)

And give me money in exchange for these(but give me a warning if you're not in America)...

Etsy
Buy Handmade
BlackbirdBooks

Counterculture Heresy: Nonconformity

2010-04-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

"Who's to decide what is proper? What if 'proper' was wearing a codfish on your head? Would you do it then? I think you would."
-Alice Kingsley
I mean, seriously.

There's an alarming lack of originality among the teenagers of this particular year(as I'm sure is also true of adults, but that would make this post far too long). The "normal" kids are nothing more than copies of a standard no one can spell out and, as a result, they copy off each other. I wouldn't normally care what those in my age range choose to do, for it's not up to me to pound the uncommon trait of Common Sense into anyone's head, but there's one thing that particularly annoys me.

People are unoriginal. They copy each other because they have no imagination. And, if they do, they're too afraid to use it, because they don't trust themselves enough to pull it off. What I really don't get is how the thought that they are the unique ones can ever cross their minds. I don't mind people being flaky and immature, so long as they're honest.

I have no idea who's reading this, but I have a dare for you, which consists of a few parts. If someone asks for your opinion, give it to them. If everyone is wearing red because it's the "cool" thing to do, wear blue if you want. If all your friends are hyped up on a band that you think is disgusting, don't buy the album. Never think that residence in the majority makes you 'a-ok' or Makes Might Right.

Trust yourself and your own style. If you really want to be interesting, don't base yourself on anyone. Even if people think you're wierd. Even if they hate you. It will probably be cause they don't have power over you anymore, or that they envy your confidence, because it's something they're afraid to reach out and take for themselves. It's easy to be like everyone else. Oh. So. Simple.

"If all the world hated you, and believed you wicked, while your own conscience approved you, and absolved you from guilt, you would not be without friends."
-Helen Burns, Jane Eyre

Dark Diversions: The Addams Family series

2010-04-25T14:56:00.000-07:00

Today, due to visions of television-fuzz and yellowish spots, I stayed home and did...absolutely nothing. Which, as you probably know, I don't like to do. It was the kind of hindrance of health that prevents me from reading, writing, or (gasp!) knitting. After re-watching the end of a fantastic movie about The Spirit of St. Louis, my lack of paper, yarn and ink was all but forgotten as I proceeded to devour multiple episodes of The Addams Family.

The sight of Gomez sharpening the iron fence is the perfect thing to cheer me up.
Here I leave you with a "mini-episode" that I found on Youtube. It shows enough snapshots of the lovely family and home to get a general idea of the series. I know not everyone likes this sort of...ehm...style, but I love it better than batman and black licorice combined, and wanted to share what made me happy today.

A bit of Blackbird trivia: when I was a little kid(as opposed to a big kid I am at present) I did a fantastic impression of Cousin Itt. Being a shy nine-year-old with waist length hair, there wasn't much else I was good at--LOL.

I and Love and You

2010-04-22T15:51:00.000-07:00

This is how I feel today.

Hey LOOK! PICTURES!

"OMG!" doesn't mean "Oh Majestic God!"

2010-04-16T10:02:00.000-07:00

http://www.ingodsimage.com/?p=2760

"I need to share a concern with my fellow Christian Facebookers, MySpacers, Pleonasters, Twitterers, texters and other social media types. 'OMG!' doesn’t mean 'O Majestic God' or 'O Magnificent God.' It is not a means by which God is honored. It doesn’t even mean 'Oh my goodness.' When people read that, they see and hear in their minds the phrase, 'Oh my God.'"

recent projects.

2010-04-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

Click on any picture you want to make bigger.

The first is a dress I'm finishing up for my book trailer. More info on that here. The second is a panel I did on a whim, featuring a symbol from that same book series, signifying "air," with the latin word for "wind." I plan to make panels for each of the element symbols in the story. If you're a knitter and like my colorwork, feel free to send me a message to ask for the chart. (nicely!)

cherry blossom festival + knitting

2010-04-03T16:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to an "event" that you've probably heard of, or at least seen pictures of. Planted around the Washington DC Tidal Basin are a lot of(ok, ok...I didn't count them. I don't know how many. A lot.) cherry trees. They're the kind of pretty, flowering trees that could ever possibly compel me to wade through crowds of summer-y tourists to see.

Other than an awesome chance to take great pictures, it's also an interesting peoplewatching experience. (No, I didn't take pictures of strangers. That I remember.) Of the more common species of tourist(or appearing to be tourist) I spotted: Pretty Female in Skimpy Dress and Illogical Sandals, Trendy Teen Who Must Wear Converse Everywhere, and Pseudo-Indie Guy Biologically Grafted to His Cell Phone.

Pushing these sad-but-hilarious observations aside, I took some other very nice pictures yesterday(click on any picture you'd like to make bigger):

(Concerning the woman in the photos that is not me: no, I did not creep up on a stranger. This is my lovely friend M who takes infinitely lovelier pictures than I do. The two guys in the photos are Pendragon and Mr. Universe.)

And now, from the knitting world...

This will eventually be Carson's Lantern, a pattern I'm writing for the knitting book I want to print. It will go along with my first novel, and have things from the story or things with inspired themes. I'm doing it on size 1 circular needles, with grey Simply Soft, and a type of glow-in-the-dark yarn from Bernat.

The sleeve for a sweater I started a long time ago. As in, September. I finished the body for it early March. I'd originally intended to wear it to the theater when I saw Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, but that didn't happen. (yes, I was inspired by the Mad Hatter. You don't miss a thing.) It will hopefully be finished in time for the weather to cool off again, at which point I shall pack it to Hatty's house for a scone and nonsense-laden tea party.

This one is kind of hard. The Red Heart yarn gets really tight when you use smaller needles, but with some messing with it, it's fine. This is the head of a plushie dragon I'm working on, also for that knitting book. She(yes, it's a she) is going to be three feet long, but I'm only at about a foot. It's gotten so big that when I do the underside I have to put the head on my shoulder and hug the thing with my neck. I know I could take the stuffing out, but the curves would be killer to go back and fill, and I want to know how it looks as I go along. I'm using that gigantic One Pound Red Heart stuff, and size 6 DPNs. If you want to test this pattern, send me a message. It requires knowledge of wrapped stitches, M1 increasing and left-facing decreasing.

fill the vacuum

2010-03-31T19:00:00.000-07:00

General update: I've been working on filming parts of a fake movie trailer project, which involves a lot of fun sets and costumes. For more info on that, see my other blog here.

Sorry I haven't taken a lot of pictures of my knitting. This is, after all, intended to be a knitting blog, but there hasn't actually been a lot of information on the yarn-oriented things I'm working on. That soon shall change. I hope.

The things I'm working on at the moment are(what's actually on my needles), and what I'll eventually get pictures of:
-"Omniscience" cardigan. (started body, completed sleeves)
-"Mad Hatter" cardigan. (started sleeves, completed body)
-Blue Star Dragon plush. (about 16" out of three feet intended)
-Glowing Lantern plush. (about 1.5" out of 6-7 intended)
-Starry shrug. (raglan)
-Where the Wild Things Are inspired sweater. (raglan, lengthening body)

I think I'm a good example of...what do they call it..."startitis"?

mini pictures

2010-03-26T19:15:00.000-07:00

I was a little bored today, so I started a thread on Ravelry asking what people wanted to see little drawings of. You can use these as long as it's for non-commercial things, and you credit me as the artist.

if you want one of your own, keep a lookout for me in the Remnants forum ;]

House On Wheels

2010-03-21T18:18:00.000-07:00

Brilliant!

Neverwas Haul

I want one.

Icing

2010-03-20T12:48:00.000-07:00

Had my ears pierced for a second time today, at the infamous Icing by Claire's. The younger, more purple and sparkly store is where I got it done for the first time so many years ago, and it was a decent job. I've heard terrible terrible things about the store and its piercing, which set me off a bit, but I still don't understand the fuss people make about it in general.

Simple. If it's dirty, leave. If you're not comfortable with the person doing it, leave. Shrug. I had neither of these problems, but it might have been because it was at the store advertised as for "older girls."

If you, too, have heard turrrible things about Claire's, I suggest "Icing" instead.

Oh, and I got my welding goggles in the mail.
They have green lenses that I couldn't see in the online picture.
squeeeeeeeee!

Help!

2010-03-19T19:30:00.000-07:00

A couple highlights from my recently favorite movie:

The Best Apartment Ever
A Fiendish Thingy!
Something To Do Before I Die

Yes, I've been knitting, as well. Bernat(as I remember...lost the label) has some lovely glow-in-the-dark yarn that I've found fun use for. Nearly done with the body of a teacup-themed bag, a few cuffs, and I've started the sleeves to an orange sweater. Pictures when I remember to upload them.

Nein Mitts

2010-03-15T12:32:00.001-07:00

"Wait, wh--!" Aaron was dragged by the sleeve to a huge clearing...his eyes moving up a gigantic, scaled creature. The skin was a grey-green, like the color of the moss that hung on the low tree branches, yet still glimmered like smoked gemstones in the torchlight...with a long-snouted head and long, slender ears...and each of the five toes on each foot ended in a black claw. Two gigantic scaled wings rested gently against his back... "Tell the great Eltanin that her faithful servant Nein has arrived."

You Need:
Seven DPNs size 6, or whatever else works for you
Two small balls of DK weight yarn, one for each color
A small crochet hook or tapestry needle

CUFF--

In black, CO 40 stitches, divide evenly on DPNs
Work 1x1 ribbing for 8 rounds

BODY+GUSSET--

Stripe 1: Begin knitting with green, wrapping the tail around the black strand and back over the green, then weave in as you go. Continue in stockinette for 8 rounds, alternating the black(stitch in front, stitch in back) to carry it along the back.

Stripe 2: Knit in black for 4 rounds, carrying the green on the WS of the glove. M1 in black, knit around. Knit around to the stitch you made, M1 on either side. Continue the alternation of the increase rounds until you have 8 rounds in black.

Stripe 3: Knit 8 rounds in green, remembering to alternate the increase rounds for the gusset, and to carry the unused yarn at the back.

Stripe 4: Continue in the same manner for 5 rounds. Put the gusset stitches on 2 DPNs, join the body of the glove and knit 3 more rounds.

Stripe 5: Knit 5 rows, then 3 rows of 1x1 ribbing, bind off loosely. Weave in the end.

THUMB--

The gusset should have 17 stitches. Slip the middle yarn from the join onto one of the needles. Slip 3 stitches from each needle onto a third DPN. Work 3 rounds of 1x1 ribbing. Bind off loosely with a long tail. Weave the tail loosely back through the inside of the thumb and use it to sew up the gusset hole. Knot and pull to the inside.

Repeat for second glove.

Let me know if you make it. I'd love to see.

good vacation

2010-03-14T10:34:00.000-07:00

I recently took a much needed vacation which, happily, involved my best friends, lots of knitting, doing nothing, and saying stupid things. And chocolate cake.

My friend Margaret/Hatty/Japanese Longfish is learning to knit. And see? Knitting makes people haaappy.

During my stay she fleshed out her knitting experience by dealing with slipping needles, lots of frogging(which I only then learned meant to pull it out) and odd things with gauge. I hope she gets into it more, because I don't know a lot of people who knit...and I'm selfish like that. Hehe.

I finished a pair of wool gloves which, as it turns out, I didn't need on the train because it was too warm instead of too cold.

It's based on a dragon in The Storytellers: Anterria named Nein, and so are the gloves, though without flaming breath and spikes on its tail. I'll probably write the pattern up for these, as well as another pair of fingerless gloves I made one of on the train.

Buy my books so I can live here all the time. I'm serious. Go. Go now. Well, wait until it's out, and then go buy it.

the fake wake

2010-02-28T17:11:00.000-08:00

I went to a wake today. No, not the funeral kind, silly. It was my friend's 50th birthday party, which her daughter had brilliantly conceived. There was an "over-the-hill" cake, black napkins, black papercups(with red punch in them), and a voluntary "mournful" dress code which, as you can see, I took advantage of with enthusiasm.

It was fun.
Except for the fact that I wore heels for 8 hours today. I think that's why I'm frowning in the picture.

Tesla would be proud.

2010-02-26T10:59:00.000-08:00

But I'm a little jealous.

Sherwood Sleeves

2010-02-25T18:11:00.000-08:00

These sleeves are **3/4 LENGTH**
Just making sure you saw...
If you want them longer, go to 80-85 rows before starting to increase.

You Need
Crochet hook or embroidery needle
Size 11(USA) circular knitting needles
1 skein Lion Bran Homespun yarn
a gauge of 3 stitches and 4 rows in stockinette=1 inch

CO 50 sts

Row 1-4: *K1, P1* repeat until the end
Continue in stockinette for 46 rows.

Row 51: K1, M1, K to last st, M1, K1
Row 52: P across
Rows 53-63: Repeat tows 51&52
Rows 64-70: K across
Bind off loosely.

Repeat for the other half.
Right sides together, sew the back seam using your chosen method.
Right sides together, sew the sleeve seam stopping at 16".

Pick up 104 stitches around the neckline.
Round 1: *K1, P1* repeat around
Round 2-5: Repeat row 1
Bind off loosely.

Weave in ends if you didn't while working.

spin a yarn and weave a tale

formspring.me

formspring.me

formspring.me

formspring.me

What is your favourite book?

rBlackbird, Did you know that you can watch Sherlock online by using this link? http://video.pbs.org/video/1619685888/ A Friend.

What is the meaning of life?

Why are you so awesome?

Faux fur, scarves, cardigans, paperbag skirts… what are your favorite holiday style trends this year?

Shiny Things: Minimalist Animation

If everyone had their own small planet to live on and care for (like in The Little Prince), what would your planet be like?

Watch this. Watch this now.

Roar.

Blackbird Books: Bunnicula

I asked you that because I was extremely bored and you always write interesting answers.

Who is the greatest person ever, in your opinion?

Is Anterria going to be released here in the UK in the forseeable future?

Where are you planning on going for your book tour?

The Traveling Scarf Tradition

Free Pattern: Traveling Scarf -- Vertical Rendition

Who is the most beautiful person ever?

Do you have any suggestions about writing short stories?

Blackbird Books Update

Do you live now where you were born & raised?

Free Knitting Pattern: NinGinn Gauntlets

...well, she's 'fundamentalist' (spelling?) so she's basically not allowed to read HP or anything *really* exciting. It's rather hard to come up with story ideas for her...

My friend wants to write an 'exciting' book and she wants me to help. Suggestions?

How many novels have you written?

How did the nickname Blackbird come about?

Frames of Life

Knitting Pattern: Lolita Bows

BlackbirdBooks Reviews: Sherlock Holmes

I Don't Care For Cooking...

Company Car by Switchfoot

Sad But Funny: The Haircut

Hey, Jude

Real Artists: Doubting Thomas

If you could accomplish one goal in your life with no limits (budget, time, physical abilities, etc.), what would it be?

Dark Diversions: Welcome to the Black Parade

Night

Crafty Lightning: An Uncommon Craft...

Why is Eragon so bad?

why do you think that the golden compass series should never have been written?

what is, in your opinion, the worst book in the world?

Recent Projects: Amigurumi and Randomness

Theme of the Era

1 Peter 3:8-17

Dark Diversions: Vincent

"If" by Rudyard Kipling

Who is the most attractive person you know?

The Question You've Always Wanted to Ask, But Were Too Afraid of the Answer

As Recited by Edwin Carp

Wait, what?

This Weekend

Hey, guesswhat.

update from vacation.

stitch london supplies.

Crafty Lightning: Stitch London

Article: "Whoever wishes to be a friend of the world..."

recent projects

Blackbird Books Reviews ----

Crafty Lightning: Etsy and Other Yarn

Counterculture Heresy: Nonconformity

Dark Diversions: The Addams Family series

I and Love and You

"OMG!" doesn't mean "Oh Majestic God!"

recent projects.

cherry blossom festival + knitting

fill the vacuum

mini pictures

House On Wheels

Icing

Help!

Nein Mitts

good vacation

the fake wake

Tesla would be proud.

Sherwood Sleeves

...well, she's 'fundamentalist' (spelling?) so she's basically not allowed to read HP or anything really exciting. It's rather hard to come up with story ideas for her...