what I've been up to, in question and answer form

Whew! The last 5 months have been quite the whirlwind. As promised, here are the highlights in a simple question and answer form:

What the heck is going on with your active-wear line??

Well, actually I like to call it a life-wear line. And, it's still on my desk. I began designing in September and then, decided to move so all my energy went towards that. So, I'm in mid-design phase.

Are you still planning on doing it??

YES! I still plan on creating the designs, having patterns made, and going through the sampling process. I will then test the market. If it makes sense to go forward, I will!

Where did you move to?

I moved to Asheville, North Carolina.

Do you like it??

No. I adore it.

Name 7 exciting things that have happened to you in the past 5 months:

-- I changed jobs; well, sorta. It's a work in progress.
-- I have formed a strategic partnership with Royal Peasantry Design House in Asheville, NC & begun selling vintage clothing, and making other stuff.
-- I got a boyfriend!
-- I have teamed up with The Laurel and will be writing a weekly article. I will be writing on arts, culture, and community and I look forward to exploring the area's rich culture. I have some sweet ideas; maybe I can even get my editor to go for them!
-- I am really a writer. I am still trying to get my life structured so that I can have dedicated time to write. That's what this whole self-employment thing is about. Even though I have faced the fact that I will probably not be able to have dedicated time within the next 6 months, I have promised myself to never forget that I am a poet -- that all this work is for that. And meanwhile, I get to build something I really enjoy and that I think I'll be pretty good at. My last job taught me the importance of enjoying one's vocation.
-- I learned how to swing + blues dance.
-- Chiropractic treatments. I am actually taller now. And my legs are the same length. For real.

Why did you pick 7 exciting things to share?? Isn't that an awkward number??

Why yes, it is.

What are you most looking forward to in the New Year?

-- Getting myself established financially by growing my business + whatever the heck else it takes
-- Naming my business; how does one pull together costume pieces, kitten-ish vintage, and playful garments like tutus, jazz pants, and corsets anyway?
-- Getting myself to a point where I can have dance, pilates, and silks lessons every week!
-- Writing lots of fun articles
-- Going blues dancing and drinking lots of whisky
-- Going to Mexico with my boyfriend & cajoling him in the event he changes his mind
-- Getting into a writing routine
-- Making pretty stuff that makes people feel good
-- Being in front of a camera
-- Hosting the first annual "Dirty Girlz" Scrabble night at mi casa. A delightful way to warm up a cold January evening.

What are some of the things you're making, or thinking of making, these days?

I am making very sassy tutus for big girls. These tutus are perfect for a sweet night out or Valentines day. I am also learning to make corsets. If all goes well, I can't wait to fuse the corset form with some Japanese elements. I am particularly inspired by traditional Japanese rope bondage, shunga prints, and the unusually bold color palettes. Folding and other elaborate manipulations also intrigue me. My items can be found at Royal Peasantry Boutique on Lexington Ave. in Asheville. And, I will be on ETSY soon (gimmie a minute on that one!). I am also finishing up a headpiece. Well, it only took 6 months.

Do you like making stuff?

Not really. I like designing stuff. Until I can get others to make the stuff I design, then I have to make it.

Do you consider yourself an artist?

No. I consider myself a writer, and in the absense of that, a highly creative person.

What are you reading these days?

I just found a very special magazine called BULLETT. It's amazing. And beautiful. The most beautiful and thoughtfully edited arts and culture magazine I have ever seen.

What are you doing for New Years?

Well, I want to go to the LindyFocus dance but if I decide to go more thrifty, I will go see My Week with Marilyn.

What is your favorite letter?

L.