One might think that contemplating Halloween in July is a tad crazy. But I would disagree. That is, if you plan to put some thought into it. :) Which I do, thank you very much. By starting now, I give myself time to shop for sales and use coupons for the various components of what I want to do. Some things are "in season" during other times of the year than October.
That being said, I have indeed made my costume decision. I am going to go as Annia Aurelia Galeria Lucilla, daughter of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelias; also known as Lucilla, from the movie, Gladiator. Because this is a little more complex and involved than your average wrap-a-sheet-around-yourself-with-a-safety-pin toga, I will more than likely wear it for more than just one Halloween.
At this stage in the game, I've only started my research of the costume, but have made some significant strides. I will post my progress here, along with the final version, once completed.
Here are some internet-provided images, as well as another Lucilla costume research site, which was the most helpful online source. It was a good jumping off point to the rest of my research.
This other costume research site is here, with some screenshots/screencaps as well as promotional photos.
Lucilla4
Photo: oncourse.iu.edu
Portr-lucilla3 Photo: romancoins.info
Halfbodyshot
Photo: dianethegeek.com
I began with general artwork/statues from the Roman era - evidence of the drape-y outfits.
Followed by internet searches for proper terminology of the dress pieces.
Which in turn led to the library searches. Extensive amounts of books about Rome, only one so far has yielded any assistance, Ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine Costume & Decoration, Second Edition, by Mary G. Houston, published in 1931. It has illustrations as well as descriptions of what the various pieces of dress were. An excellent resource, highly recommended if you want to recreate an outfit from any of those time periods.
Next time I'll go over more images and some of my specific research findings.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Locked
I've been locked out of my Typepad account for a week or two - hence the non posts. But I'm back now. So, hi!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Jumpology
I've been on Photojojo's mailing list for awhile now, and one of the subjects a few years ago was jumping - a sure fire way to get smiles! One of the links in the article led me to a Smithsonian article about the founder of the jumping photograph, Philippe Halsman. Which in turn led me to his book, titled Philippe Halsman's Jump Book, published in 1959, which I am currently reading. An inspiring book and concept, I thought we could try it out!
IMG_2175-2 IMG_2176-2
(Disclaimer - these first two photos were my first attempts at this concept of Jumpology - as such, the flash is a little strong and the backgrounds are so unspectacular, as it is simply the kitchen/hallway. That little yellow thing which I could have/should have photoshopped out is half of an Easter egg for the cat.)
Later, Pete and I went for a walk through one of the local parks around sunset, which gave some interesting lighting as well as swarms of, guess what, mosquitoes. (Ugh. So tired of them.)
IMG_2180-2 IMG_2182-2
I have to say, this could be a fun way to document the journey of life.
Today: A little road trip to Cambridge with mom, grocery planning, and possibly some more laundry.
IMG_2175-2 IMG_2176-2
(Disclaimer - these first two photos were my first attempts at this concept of Jumpology - as such, the flash is a little strong and the backgrounds are so unspectacular, as it is simply the kitchen/hallway. That little yellow thing which I could have/should have photoshopped out is half of an Easter egg for the cat.)
Later, Pete and I went for a walk through one of the local parks around sunset, which gave some interesting lighting as well as swarms of, guess what, mosquitoes. (Ugh. So tired of them.)
IMG_2180-2 IMG_2182-2
I have to say, this could be a fun way to document the journey of life.
Today: A little road trip to Cambridge with mom, grocery planning, and possibly some more laundry.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Text the Bocce Fire
Yesterday was a wonderfully tiring day full of money spending and time spending in the out-of-doors. After researching phones online for several hours, I narrowed my choices of a new phone down to two for me and three for Pete. The problem was I had a hard time navigating one of the two and was vetoed on the other. I was told 'no' to the beautiful iphone, and ended up with the Samsung Eternity.
SAM_EternityBlack_color_front
Photo: AT&T
Which, by the way, after playing with it all day, is still a pretty sweet phone. I now have a full QWERTY keyboard and can text all fast and proper and not get seriously annoyed by the mutli-tap process. Pete chose the Samsung a777 in orange, which he loves. (The phone and the color.)SAM_a777Orange_color_openFront
Photo: AT&T
It only took an hour to pick them out and two different stores and two transactions to make the transfer to a new carrier. Thankfully, the store locations were close which also led us to lunch at Panera.
Afterward, we grabbed the cat and headed over to my mom and dad's for the rest of the afternoon. We bathed kitty, but only got in one Burn Notice, one Top Sniper, and one Barefoot Contessa before dinner. But by then we were ready for some time outside since the weather was so nice. A new bocce ball set was broken in, but for this lawn game, I was unable to demonstrate any kind of prowess on my part. [Shame] [Gloom]
Pete suggested a fire in the fire pit and a half an hour later, we were swatting mosquitoes again. With the moon as bright as it was, we dragged out the binoculars and telescope to check it out. This sparked some interest in the possibility of a visit to the Planetarium/Observatory. Perhaps in the near future.
Today: House chores, new phone exploration, cat medication application (how exciting), and more photo scanning.
SAM_EternityBlack_color_front
Photo: AT&T
Which, by the way, after playing with it all day, is still a pretty sweet phone. I now have a full QWERTY keyboard and can text all fast and proper and not get seriously annoyed by the mutli-tap process. Pete chose the Samsung a777 in orange, which he loves. (The phone and the color.)SAM_a777Orange_color_openFront
Photo: AT&T
It only took an hour to pick them out and two different stores and two transactions to make the transfer to a new carrier. Thankfully, the store locations were close which also led us to lunch at Panera.
Afterward, we grabbed the cat and headed over to my mom and dad's for the rest of the afternoon. We bathed kitty, but only got in one Burn Notice, one Top Sniper, and one Barefoot Contessa before dinner. But by then we were ready for some time outside since the weather was so nice. A new bocce ball set was broken in, but for this lawn game, I was unable to demonstrate any kind of prowess on my part. [Shame] [Gloom]
Pete suggested a fire in the fire pit and a half an hour later, we were swatting mosquitoes again. With the moon as bright as it was, we dragged out the binoculars and telescope to check it out. This sparked some interest in the possibility of a visit to the Planetarium/Observatory. Perhaps in the near future.
Today: House chores, new phone exploration, cat medication application (how exciting), and more photo scanning.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Friends + Family
Whenever someone uses the "+" symbol, I never know immediately if they meant it to be read as ____ plus ____, or ____ and _____. In this case, I mean "and". As in friends and family. &.
Just so we're all on the same page.
I am so thankful that I had yesterday off from work, so that I could accompany my husband to Milwaukee to visit our friends and family. It seems that whenever we go to R&L's, we're the first ones there - at least that's how it's been the last two times. Hey, at least we're prompt! We must be channeling Zuko, Azula, Ty Lee and Mai. ;) 10 points to anyone who knows what I'm referring to.
Grilling is so much more fun when you have people to do it with, especially when you can hang around outside while it's happening. Not to mention, sampling the new blue Mountain Dew! I have to say, I've never grilled my 'mallows for smores - usually they're roasted over a campfire. But dudes, SMORES! How awesome are they? Delish.
After trying my hand at two new games - Yard Toss and Rock Band, Pete and I headed out to a family member's house for more grilled meat product and salad and soda. At that point in the evening I was stuffed and sadly did not have any more room for the yummy looking eats. By then the state bird had made its appearance and much swatting and scratching ensued. (And by state bird I mean the mosquito.) A yard toss game was also present, at which cousin T and I won all three games we played!
Big thanks to the Rob(b)s who hosted parties yesterday!
Today: New cell phones with a new provider for less money, but hopefully the same phone numbers. An easy-going Sunday with my fam and catching up on Burn Notice. Oh and the cat will finally be getting her bath.
Just so we're all on the same page.
I am so thankful that I had yesterday off from work, so that I could accompany my husband to Milwaukee to visit our friends and family. It seems that whenever we go to R&L's, we're the first ones there - at least that's how it's been the last two times. Hey, at least we're prompt! We must be channeling Zuko, Azula, Ty Lee and Mai. ;) 10 points to anyone who knows what I'm referring to.
Grilling is so much more fun when you have people to do it with, especially when you can hang around outside while it's happening. Not to mention, sampling the new blue Mountain Dew! I have to say, I've never grilled my 'mallows for smores - usually they're roasted over a campfire. But dudes, SMORES! How awesome are they? Delish.
After trying my hand at two new games - Yard Toss and Rock Band, Pete and I headed out to a family member's house for more grilled meat product and salad and soda. At that point in the evening I was stuffed and sadly did not have any more room for the yummy looking eats. By then the state bird had made its appearance and much swatting and scratching ensued. (And by state bird I mean the mosquito.) A yard toss game was also present, at which cousin T and I won all three games we played!
Big thanks to the Rob(b)s who hosted parties yesterday!
Today: New cell phones with a new provider for less money, but hopefully the same phone numbers. An easy-going Sunday with my fam and catching up on Burn Notice. Oh and the cat will finally be getting her bath.
Friday, July 3, 2009
BEES!
Well, bee, actually. I discovered one buzzing in the transom window above the walkout doors.
What is it with bees infiltrating my apartment?! I mean, c'mon. The last apartment we were in, 3 years ago, I had 4 bee-type-wasp things make an appearance.
I truly hope this is not a recurring theme.
What is it with bees infiltrating my apartment?! I mean, c'mon. The last apartment we were in, 3 years ago, I had 4 bee-type-wasp things make an appearance.
I truly hope this is not a recurring theme.
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