I haven't been stitching as much as I'd like. Life has been a bit busy, more on that after the stitching update. I managed some progress on the flapping parrot, and I'm still working on College, which I will update next time.

Before:

[Image] After:

[Image] I've mentioned this before but I'll say it again. Golden Kite pages are only about 3,000 stitches each, so they feel like they go a lot faster than HAED pages. The end result is that there's way more of them per pattern, but that's okay. I really like the way it's stitching up so far, even though you can't tell at all that it's going to be a parrot. In time, the picture will come out more and more, as is the way of cross stitch.

First of all, I wanted to thank everyone for your support about my previous post. It was upsetting when it happened not just because my feelings were hurt but because this is such a prevalent problem, not just for women, but for everyone. We are constantly being judged and placed against impossible standards that, thanks to photoshop, don't even exist in reality! I know it's weird to say but it took me being in the physical presence of celebrities for me to realize that they are real people! Silly, right? That's not to say they weren't beautiful people. I mean really, they were. But they were still people. Their kids were running around on set. They were laughing and joking between takes. Whistling and singing to themselves. Doing the robot. They ate food. They drank coffee. They had their earbuds in and were listening to music/podcasts/radio/etc. It was very eye-opening and extremely comforting in the most positive way. So thanks, everyone. Your kind words and thoughts are so very much appreciated.

H³ got a job! He's now a field geologist! He also got into grad school! Things are moving forward for him, which is really great. I'm still looking for a job. I've had some interviews here and there but haven't found anything full time or permanent yet. I'm on a couple of eligibility lists with libraries, I'm working through an agency for the possibility of some records management work with law firms, and I've received some referrals for movie and TV work as crew. In fact, at the end of April I had the opportunity to work as a PA on the set of a pilot called Rellik, directed by Tim Russ (of Star Trek: Voyager fame). It was so much fun! Not only did I get to do PA work but also dress sets for the art department, and be a stand-in. Rellik is going to premiere at Sacramento Comicon in June so if you're around I think I'm going to try to go. We'll see. Here's a cast/crew photo.

[Image] I am in that photo, but pretty tiny so not sure if anyone will be able to find me.

That's all that's new in my neck of the woods. One of my friends is having a baby in July and I'm almost done with her baby blanket. Maybe another 2-3 days of working on it and it'll be ready!

Happy stitching, everyone!