Out on a Limb

I hate talking about controversial things. Even things I feel strongly about.

Especially things I feel strongly about.

I'm not the best talker, or writer. I want people to understand how I feel about a topic, but invariably I stumble over my words or leave out the crucial information. Then I feel like if people walk away thinking it's stupid or that all people who believe it are stupid...well that's my fault.

The other thing that frustrates me is when people in these conversations state their opinion and they're applauded by several people (I seldom believe the popular thing - sorry, you can ignore my blog from now on if you want) and then I state my opinion and I'm ripped to shreds because it's opposed to theirs.

I even go to a lot of trouble to say, "You don't have to agree, I don't expect you to" or "This is just what I think" and then, you know, "I think pigs make great childhood pets" or whatever weird opinion I have that is not quite the thing. But people come back to me with, "That's so condescending, I can't believe you would say you think pigs make great pets, when I've just told you I don't think they make great pets and I never had a pet pig"

And then I'll say, well, you don't have to agree that's just what I think and I don't have anything to back it up, although I've heard they learn tricks really well and they're actually really clean, etc. (I have heard those things, btw, from multiple sources but the only one I can cite is Johnny Tremain - great story...but you don't have to believe that).

So invariably the people will come back at me with, "Where are the studies!? Where are the studies showing that pigs are smart and clean? It's all propaganda from the pigs lobbying group!"

It's probably my own fault. I like to talk to people, be friends with people, who don't agree with me. I like to hear opinions that I could never hold. And I like to discuss them and how the people reached those conclusions and how I reached mine. Some people are great for that. And usually neither of us is ever convinced of the other position - but I want to understand where they're coming from. I want them to understand where I am coming from.

Instead I get into an argument over whether it should be allowable in public discourse for an opinion other than that person's to be presented with out a crowd of people present to applaud it.

Do you try to avoid controversial discussions? Do you find yourself getting sucked in anyway (I always do)
Are you in favor of pigs as pets?

Birds of a Feather

One of my close friends has a serious issue with birds. Pigeons specifically.
I think they're cute, she thinks they're rats with wings.

She visited Venice and was horrified to find that the pigeons there are well loved. I decided to draw a girl with a pet pigeon, then forgot all about it for a few months. I didn't draw this with the pigeon girl in mind (and the bird here isn't a pigeon), but it reminded my friend who reminded me.

My friend's revulsion also reminded me of this Portlandia skit.




I don't know about you, but when I was a kid I was always psyched when a bird would fly into a shop. Don't ask me why, it was just cool.

So, are you pro-bird or anti-bird?

Winter Wonderland

I know some people love winter, but I have serious doubts as to what they mean by that.

Waiting Room

Everyone loves waiting for the doctor.You arrive a few minutes early to wait half an hour for someone who will spend 10 minutes not really listening to your symptoms. 

If the doctor is in a good mood she'll order tests. If she's in a bad mood she'll accuse you of hoping to have tumor because you came in about a stomach bug. If she's in a really bad mood she'll threaten to quit because you have questions about her diagnosis.
 
My favorite part of going to the doctor is when you recite your symptoms and the doctor repeats them back to you as his personal observations. It's like paying $50 for a carnival psychic.

I did go to a good doctor group this week though. They were pretty certain about their diagnosis, but when I questioned part of it they decided to double check it for me - instead of tell me I was being ridiculous. They're even doing some research on the issue between that visit and my next one.

How do you feel about doctors? What's your worst doctor experience? Do you have any great ones?

Lucky Elephant

Cupcake Mag is giving away gorgeous Lucky Elephant bracelets.  I could never afford one on my own, so here's my little post letting you all knowing about it and gaining myself another entry.

Snow White

With Once Upon a Time gracing our televisions and a variety of new Snow White movies out, I felt compelled to do a new Snow White piece. I'm not actually all that partial to the story of Snow White. Sleeping Beauty is my favorite Disney movie and Beauty is my favorite fairy-tale retelling, but I've never drawn illustrations for either of those! I think the Snow White story just has more compelling imagery.

What's your favorite fairy tale? 

I drew this for an Art Gala earlier this year

Too Early

I know it isn't even remotely time to be thinking about Christmas. I don't like Christmas music or decorations to happen early. I'd really prefer it if they trickled in slowly after Thanksgiving had fully passed. It would be a little more graceful. A lot more magic.  But I'm in the wrong line of business for that. Even as late as local companies push Christmas advertising, I have to start designing those ads now if they're going to be ready in time for the early  December publications.

How do you feel about the holidays? Which one is your favorite?