Grieving Sprocket

The other day, I told you that part of the reason I haven't written was due to my big move (yay!), but the other part is because I've been grieving and haven't wanted to write or take photos or really be expressive at all.

See, the beloved Sprocket Ink is no more. 

And I am very sad. I wasn't there the entire time, but I was there at the beginning and at the end and there's something sweet and sentimental about that. For about 2 years, I was happy to have a forum to write about news and politics, where I was never censored, where I felt a responsibility to talk about what I was passionate about and flex my writing wings.

And I was part of an incredible community there! I left the first time because, with the exception of a couple folks, I didn't feel part of the writing crew. When I came back, I found the greatest group of nerdy, lovable, witty, warm, and brilliant people whom I could always turn to whether I needed to rant about some idiot politician or just about work issues or some stupid facebook debate. 

I really hope those friendships remain with the death of our wonderful site. They're truly wonderful people.

So, as you can imagine, I've been very, very sad. I felt like I was laid off from the best job (even though I wasn't paid). Or I was going through a breakup, except my ex in this instance was gone forever, not living a new life with some hot girl he met in a bar (just kidding. that actually never happened to me). 

I've been truly grieving. And I'm glad I let myself grieve, because now I'm starting to feel myself again. And look at me! Writing again!

I also have a ton of articles over at Sprocket that I have no clue how to pull off and save. If anyone is super techy and smart at Wordpress, I'd very much appreciate the help. 

Some of the ex Sprockets have some ideas in the works for next steps and I'm really hoping to be a a part of that too. I'm not sure what I'll do in the meantime. I hope to write here a hellofa lot more, but I haven't decided if I'll write about politics at all here or just save that for an external site. I just don't know that this is the place for it. I might rant about world issues like racism or sexism, etc., but I don't know that I want my blog to be taken up by politicians and pundits and government. 

Time will tell, I s'pose. 

Bye, Sprocket. It's been too wonderful. 

and verily she wrote a post and verily not one rant was in it

Well, hello, my dear readers old pals old friends. I've missed you. I've been a busy, busy girl you know.

For one, I joined the gym. Again. No, you didn't hallucinate that. Cheapskate that I am, I shelled out the 30 bucks a month and I'm swimming laps almost every day and working off this thick layer of fat I've developed in the last forever months. It feels fucking great. I also hate other swimmers. But are we surprised?

I'm also taking voice lessons, which I have been promising to tell you about and which are hugely therapeutic. I'm getting out all my neuroses there, I swear.

As you may well know if you've been reading for some time, my mother is insane. She was also a stage mom (picture those pageant moms only backstage, grooming their little ones for stardom. Picture Mama Rose from Gypsy only scary. So I've had a huge block about singing for a long time. Finding karaoke was huge for me because it was a place I could sing without any pressure and actually love it. I do love to sing, I do.

So these lessons, with the sweetest most awesome woman you'll ever meet in your whole damn life, feel so incredible. And it turns out I'm a lot better than I thought, even with the bad habits I've picked up over the years and with the learning I have to do. And I have a much bigger range than I thought too and she thinks there's much more in there. And she's always gushing all over me which makes me blush from my toes on up. I don't hate it, not gonna lie.

What else? After my huge early thirties life crisis the other week, I've been really agonizing over what's going on in my life and how I'm getting too old to put off my life's goals anymore and what I'm going to do to make them happen. I can't just let my dreams pass on by, because the next thing I know, I'll be in my sixties and telling some young kids about how I wanted to be a writer one day. But I'm an artist! I'm a photographer. I'm a writer. I need to make art and I need the time and funds to feel fully capable to do so.

With all that in mind, I finally decided to look into MFA in creative nonfiction writing programs. The purpose is this is, one, to get writing full time, two, learn some skills to market myself and maybe even get paid, and, three, to hone my craft. I'm really excited, despite the thought of how I will pay for it and pay for living while I go to school. But, hell, I need to do this. And, no, I'm not leaving Oregon. So it will be a program here.

And as you know, I'm back at Sprocket Ink. My first post was up last week and a new one will be up Monday morning. You definitely need to be reading it. Also, if you haven't liked my facebook page, do that too, as well as Sprocket Ink's page.

Quoi encore? Eminem and I are doing splendidly. I'm completely, effervescently happy with him and I get the impression he'd say the same if he were quite the talker I am. But everything is just easy and breezy and calm and uncomplicated. He's pretty damn great and while I recognize that my instincts suck monkey ass and while my exes don't exactly set the bar too high, I suspect I'm a lucky girl.

Alright, my iced tea is empty and my laptop battery is about to die, so I'll leave you here. Before you go, check out these photos I took a couple weekends back at the Rhododendron Garden in Portland:

oh, Descartes, you know me so well

Well hello again, dear Internet, old buddy old pal. So much has happened since we last talked that I just don't think I can recap it all. Between a visit to Humboldt to see my pregnant cousin, taking voice lessons, and a whole slew of social-life goodness, I've been a busy chiquita.

So I think I'll skip over most of that. I do promise to get more photos online soon and share them avec vous. Je promet. I do also want to tell you about my voice lessons and how they're changing my life in a very therapeutic way. But for now? I want to share a huge life revelation I had recently. Well, more of an existential crisis that led to some decisions and plans.

Once again, as happens in adulthood and often to me, I've been letting my art slip. Thus is the life of a write slash photographer who sucks and getting herself paid for writing slash photography. Thus is that life because a struggling artist must pay the bills, does she not?

So I have a big girl job. And, don't worry, Boss, I'm not quitting. But I had a huge crisis recently because my creative muscles have been atrophying.

Being creative is one of the most important things for me, to live, to love, to be happy. And I let it go because it was easier that way, because when you're tired from a long day of work, it's easy to let the art go, to just sit and watch TV and put the happy-making things aside. It's easy, but so bad.

I have to be a writer! I have to take photos. I have to make art. I have to. I simply have to.

Then, as serendipity would have it, a few weeks ago my old editor at Sprocket Ink asked me to come back. And it was as if that huge lightbulb in the sky went on and the voices in my head started singing. But I was scared. I was. Of the commitment of it, of having a deadline every single week that I can't blow off. So I told her I'd think about it and then I thought about it and thought about it and thought about it. Which was stupid. Because a girl like me can just think something to death.

Then I had my creative existential crisis and in an impulsive moment of needing something creative to climb into, I told her yes. And then all was well and good in the world. All the wars stopped and the hungry all had food. You're welcome, world.

Just kidding. Or am I?

But for realsies, I'm back at Sprocket Ink! Are you excited? Because I'm excited.

Watch for articles from me soon. BUT, I probably won't be linking up my articles here so if you want to get updates (and of course you do), make sure to like my Facecrack page or Sprocket Ink's page. Or, you know, both! You can also find both of us on Twitter of course.

This Week at Sprocket Ink

It's Sunday and I'm just getting around to wrapping up the week. That's how much I fail today. I was sitting here, rueing my headache and feeling cranky beyond cranky, reading blogs and I suddenly remembered (!), oh yeah. I didn't write that post. I fail.

Anyway, here are my posts at Sprocket Ink LAST week:

Survey Says: Pretty People are More Selfish

New Extreme Sport: Naked Fishing

Thanks for reading.

This Week at Sprocket Ink

Nothing but fluff from me this week. I know I usually write about more serious fare, but for some reason (maybe my snot addled brain), I took on entertainment. I know. Who am I?

Just go with it.

This week, go read:

10 Celebs Who Just Need to Go Away Already
Celebs and pseudo celebs who top my list of most annoying annoyers who annoy me and who must go away now by any means necessary

Why Must Hollywood Ruin Everything?
Dirty Dancing remake? Somebody should have left this baby in the corner.

This Week at Sprocket Ink

All sorts of snark and awe (get it? shock and awe? womp womp) this week over at Sprocket Ink. What can I say? Nothing but the best for you, my lovely minions.

Now go read, slaves!

Free Birth Control For All? Piece of Cake.
Official guidelines will force nearly all health insurance plans to fully cover the cost of birth control, but the mandate makes an exception for religious organizations...

As If Childbirth & The Bar Exam Aren’t Hard Enough Already
Pregnant woman goes into labor while taking the bar, finishes the test, then gives birth. See also: rock star.

Me love you long time!

This Week at Sprocket Ink

What a whirlwind week! *whew*

I tackled some doozies this week at Sprocket Ink, lemmetellya.

Zees veek, go read:

The Parent of a Mass Murderer
Father of the man accused in the Norway attacks says he wishes his son committed suicide. I wonder what that must be like.

Spanx at the Gym? Pshaw!
NOW you too can look skinny while you sweat your disgusting pounds away. Don't worry if you're not perfect and can't look like all those better people ...

This Week at Sprocket Ink

This was a fun week for me this week at Sprocket Ink. Wow, that sentence rhymed way too much to be deemed cool. Anywayyyyyy, hope you enjoy reading these articles as much as I enjoyed writing them!

This week, go read:

Nazi Singers Go Lib. Also: Pigs Fly.
Prussian Blue, the Nazi-themed pop band that created a media frenzy in the mid-2000s, have outgrown their White Nationalist phase and changed their tune to saccharine singsong. You read that right.


If Lesbians Can’t Hold Hands in San Fran, Where Can They?
Lesbian couple is kicked out of a San Francisco art museum for holding hands. I guess bigoted douchebags can live everywhere.

Thanks for reading! I love your comments like I love wearing nothing but sexy heels and eating ice cream (at the same time)!

This Week at Sprocket Ink

I've got some serious and some funny for you this week at Sprocket Ink. I promise you won't be disappointed. And if you are, tough titties. Pretend you like it anyway.

This week, go read:

Remembering Betty Ford
Breast cancer survivor, recovered addict, champion of women's rights, and former first lady Betty Ford, a real spitfire, has passed away at age 93.

North Dakota Might Not Be a State. No, Really.
The Brontosaurus isn't a real dinosaur. Pluto isn't a planet. And now North Dakota might not really be a state. Excuse me while my whole world collapses ...

Thanks for being awesome readers and commenting on the SI site! Me love you long time!

This Week at Sprocket Ink

I had a really fun week this week at Sprocket Ink! I just never get tired of writing about stupidity.

So! Go read:

Fox News Hacked, Hackers Prove Lame
Hackers tweeted from a Fox News Twitter account. It's either the most lame or most distasteful hack in history.

I Wish I Could Fit In Your Suitcase
Chica tries to sneak her husband out of prison in a suitcase. Shawshank this ain't.

Thanks for reading! I love your comments!

This Week at Sprocket Ink

ACK! I can't beleive I forgot to tell you what I wrote last week at Sprocket Ink. It's a holiday weekend, so I get some forgiveness right? Awesome. You guys rock lobster.

Now go read:

I Heart Minnesota?
As New York votes in gay marriage, Minnesota introduces ballot to ban it. I say we can make Minnesota gay friendly. Hey, crazier things have happened...

America is Stupid, Reason #347
Fox News once again dominates the cable news rankings. I throw up from my very judgey soapbox.

As always, thanks so much for reading! We love your comments on the site!

This Week at Sprocket Ink

I had fun this week at Sprocket Ink. No hard hitting posts,  but maybe I can make you laugh a bit.

This week, go read:

New York IS Gay Marriage, Honey
As the New York Senate is stuck on the gay marriage vote, I had kinda assumed it was legal all along.

Cage Match: Saggy Pants vs Grape Smugglers
So yeah. A dude was kicked off a plane for wearing saggy pants. But wait until you see what kind of clothes US Airways does allow on their planes. You'll have to see it to believe it.

As always, thanks for reading and please comment on the site!

Dude. I totally fail this week. But please forgive me; it's been a hard week. I'll explain later when I have the energy.

Anywayyy, here's what I wrote this week at Sprocket Ink:

OPINION: Social Media, You Debauchery Enabler You
Weiner is not the first debaucherous politician, but he's certainly the first to get exposed on Twitter. My opinion on social media and politics.


John Edwards is Doing it Wrong
John Edwards' mug shots are released. No man, no matter how plastic, should look this happy in the slammer.

Thanks for reading!

This Week at Sprocket Ink

This week at Sprocket Ink, I took on some doozies, lemmetellya.

This week, go read:

Sarah Palin, Meet Paul Revere
Sarah Palin clearly ditched fourth grade. And I pick on her for it. Nyah Nyah.

Psychic Says It, So It Must Be So
A Psychic reported a mass grave of 30 bodies in Texas. Police fall all over themselves hoping it's true.

Thanks for reading! If you leave comments over there, I promise to be your best friend!

This Week at Sprocket Ink

Once again, I bring you some delicious words over at Sprocket Ink. Don't lie. You know you love it.

This week, go read:

A Poppy for My Pop
This Memorial Day, I remember the sacrifice my father and his fallen friends made overseas.

Feminine Products: Marketed by Penises
Have a happy period? Only when Midol comes with Prozac.

Thanks for reading! Please leave comments of the site and I'll be your best friend.

This Week at Sprocket Ink

Awesome week this week at Sprocket Ink and aren't you glad to get in on the fun?

I've got a split for you this time 'round, one post sad and the other feisty. Because I'm a giver like that.

Go read:

Missouri Blows Away, Death Toll Rises
Joplin, Missouri was devastated Sunday by a massive tornado and more cities are still on high alert. Plus: ways you can help.

The Great Genderless Baby
Baby Storm's gender is a secret, which is obviously equal to war and famine and disease.

Thanks for reading, kiddos! Please give Sprocket Ink some love and leave me comments on the articles. I'll love you long time if you doooooo.

This Week at Sprocket Ink

Exciting things abound this week! And since I'm sworn to secrecy about one, I'll just have to tell you that Sprocket Ink got a new look and feel this week! Very sexy sexy. See that new badge on the right? That's just a little tease. After you go read my articles, poke around the site a bit.

But first! Go read:

Trump Abdicates the White House
Trump announces he's not, in fact, running for President after all. Americans respond: NO DUH.

Too Fat to Fly
Southwest Airlines told a weight loss blogger she was too fat to fly. Yes, seriously.

As always, I'm begging you to leave comments! PLEASE? 

This Week at Sprocket Ink

It was a busy, busy week at Sprocket Ink and I have three posts for you to read. I know. It said it was busy, okay? Ahem.

Anyway, this week, go read:

Keep Toking, Get Life in Prison
Fourth marijuana conviction gets Slidell man life in prison. His cell will be next to Manson’s. Just kidding.

Arizona Takes Racism to the Supreme Court
Arizona takes controversial immigration law to Supreme Court, takes its place in history alongside a long line of racists. And I go off on a rant to beat all rants.

Obama to Push New Muslim Outreach
President Obama is planning to renew Muslim outreach to appeal to the Muslim world after the death of Osama bin Laden. I'm pleased.

Thanks for reading, as always! Please please please be a pip and leave some comments and if you feel like helping me out and sharing on Facebook or retweeting or liking on Stumble, I won't hate it.

This Week at Sprocket Ink

I'm sick. *cough cough* Blame it on going going going plus one coworker whom I love but gave me her cold.

But have no fear! I still wrote two posts for you (just you!) this week at Sprocket Ink.

Go read (and don't dawdle, now):

The Tweet Heard Round the World
Misquoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr will always make you look stupid.

Planned Parenthood, How I Love Thee
I go deep under cover into the Planned Parenthood and come out a happy clam.

Happy reading! As always, please please please comment and like and retweet and digg and stumble! MUAH!

This Week at Sprocket Ink

I've been busy, busy but I still found time to knock out two posts at Sprocket Ink. What can I say? I make it happen. My move is Saturday, so wish me luck! AHHHHH!

In the meantime, go read:


Baby Tramps Today. Prostitutes Tomorrow.
LZ Granderson wrote: Parents, don’t dress your girls like tramps. I respond.


9/11 Health Bill is Total Crap. That's Putting it Lightly.
New 9/11 health bill requires responders and survivors to prove they’re not terrorists before they can receive medical care. Seriously.

As always, muchas gracias for reading! Please help me out with your comments and likes and tweets and stumbles and diggs!

Next time you see me, I'll either be dead from this move or will have survived. EEEEE!