Dear Diary,
Thursday night, I went to this thing at the Joplin Library that was advertised as "Artist Talk with Joan Allen 6:30-7:30, Arts, Exhibits, Post Art Library." Contextually, I now know what this all means. But I had presumed that a local artist was going to give a lecture on art and exhibits in the local area. Which is, admittedly in hindsight, most likely projection. Like, I need some help in that area and I was hoping I'd get a clue or two at this shindig. What the event turned out to be was an artist exhibit reception for Joan Allen's artwork. Which I liked! She drew these "Twiglettes", which were inspired by the strong women in the artist's life. Willowy, doll-like doodles bathed in a bright array of watercolors. And it wasn't a total loss. Actually, my therapist had been encouraging me to meet up with some of the local artists at this collective downtown and she's one of those folks.But boy, did I stand out like a sore thumb. I was, probably the ONLY person there that didn't have some kind of established relationship with this woman. Family, students, colleagues, friends, some of the real life "Twiglettes" who inspired the paintings... and me, lol.
The question-and-answer bit was only a little awkward cuz, as just mentioned, her family and friends knew her too well to really have any genuine curiosity, so there were some forced questions. I asked what she used as ink. "A fine lined sharpie from Walmart," was her response. For some reason, I took that as an opportunity to introduce her to my watercolor flip kit. After her little reception, I chatted with a few folks in attendance and then the artist, herself. She told me I’d make a good model for her “Twiglettes”. I would, actually, They definitely had my kinda energy. Somehow, I was one of the last folks to leave.
In the middle of the night, I finally got a response from my tattoo guy, DirtBird, that he had availability that day. He’s really bad at getting back with messages. He knows he is, that’s not an insult, just an objective fact. Point is, if he says he can get you in, you usually take the opportunity. I’m broke AF but my buddy, Schike, has wanted to get me a belated birthday/Xmas gift since she’s been in Germany for a bit and missed… a lot. She wanted to buy me new shoes or clothes but I’m having a hard time accommodating what I have, as it is. But a TATTOO! I have room for more tattoos.
I went to get the oil changed in my car in the morning and actually ran in to DirtBird, getting something fixed with the battery in his truck. Gave us the opportunity to cement plans. He was fortunate enough to have a ride to his shop. I had to sit with my car til they were done. That was fine, I had a book… or it would’ve been if it weren’t for some gentleman loudly watching Spanish game
shows on his phone. At some points, his phone would ring but he wouldn’t’ answer it. Just let the same 7 seconds of this unfamiliar song loop 5 of 6 times before, I guess, going to voicemail. I’ve never wanted to eat someone’s phone so badly, before.
When my car was done, I drove across town to Rattl’d Studios. My guy shaved my under-arm and freehanded a Mr. Freeze face on my Batman side. A few notes on that:
*The most painful tattoo I’ve ever had was on my ribs. This tattoo wasn’t a close second, but it was definitely, without question, the next most painful tattoo I’ve ever had. Whoof. I felt like a little bitch. Wow, it sucked.
*The best way I found to distract myself was reading. But in the almost three hours I was there, I read, like, 14 pages.
*DirtBird was VERY gentle. But my god, that’s a sensitive spot, for me.
His former apprentice, who got her own license, last year, came by to check on a tattoo of hers that had since healed. She’s sweet. And goofy! She also showed off this adorable, pink crocheted goblin face mask. I’m not sure if I put enough commas in that last sentence for the number of adjectives I used.
I’m super happy with this one. I asked him to have fun with it. I wanted Mr. Freeze if they had made an imaginary move in the 70’s and he was played by Marlon Brando. He captured the vision!
When I got home, I felt beat to shit. Like, I took a shower and iced the tattoo, but I forgot to take ibuprofen so I felt like I’d had my ass handed to me by a small Buick. I was going to go to the Farmer’s Market but I feel remarkably unmotivated. At least, to drive all the way across town to get some tomatoes. They ARE worth it, but… yeah, I can probably go without salsa, this weekend. I think they’re starting to open it up on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, again, anyway.
Speaking of Tuesday, one of the dispensaries I go to is having open interviews this week. So I have an application. I need to spend some time today to promote my Caricature business. I hate doing this alone. I don’t even know who to ask for any help. I’ve received more than I feel I deserve, but I just really don’t wanna give up on this. So, maybe a part time job won’t be too bad so I can, at least, make my car payments or whatever.
I feel like I’ve been kinda distant for a while and now I’m not sure who still considers me a friend. I mean, that’s not totally fair, some folks have really gone beyond to demonstrate their friendship. It’ll be a minute, though, before I feel confident, socially. I’m doing the best I can. I really need to get out more. Whoof.
Anyway, I have my list of stuff to accomplish today. May have to amend it, a bit, cuz I’m convinced I am not going to the Farmer’s Market but there’s plenty else I can cross off.
Cape diem!
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