Christina's Outlet

Tea for Blackbird

2011-11-09T19:52:00.000-08:00

Big Hair

2011-10-17T20:18:00.000-07:00

Bubble

2011-10-03T20:41:00.000-07:00

Cosmic

2011-09-28T17:26:00.000-07:00

Crisi as a Girl

2011-09-17T21:13:00.000-07:00

Kato

2011-05-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

Roller Derby, baby!

2011-05-14T13:02:00.000-07:00

Bugwelle von Bremerhaven

2011-05-07T00:46:00.000-07:00

El Luchador

2011-05-05T23:20:00.000-07:00

Ipanema to Greenland

2011-04-30T01:51:00.000-07:00

For I am made of Dirt

2011-04-24T20:41:00.000-07:00

Navaz

2011-04-22T23:53:00.000-07:00

Magic Tea Time

2011-03-23T22:11:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1 bag of spiced chai
1 touch of butter
1/2 cup of hot milk
a bit of vanilla if you like
some sacred herbs, ground

Method: pour hot water over mixture - let steep for an hour - add honey/ Stevia/ sugar to taste - enjoy the ride.

Un-peanut-butter me!

2010-11-26T14:11:00.000-08:00

In relation to this contest.

Unfortunately, I didn't read the rules properly. No prize for me.
That's ok.

Another Catwoman

2010-11-10T09:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-29T23:00:00.000-07:00

Some may think I haven't been very creative as of lately. But I have!
It was just more of the edible variety I haven't shared.
Let me share this then:

"Happy Halloween everybody!"

I do like cookies. If I say so myself...

A Logo not so bad

2010-09-17T23:00:00.000-07:00

Months later it turns out the original idea wasn't that bad after all!
A few tweaks here and there... (A top please! A bit less chesty. The font is just too brown. No crests please!)
Let's see what they say!

Zodiac

2010-09-03T23:44:00.001-07:00

PIICNIIIC!!!

2010-08-02T21:38:00.000-07:00

If you go out in the woods today
You're sure of a big surprise.

Ship's Cat & The 7 Seas

2010-07-23T22:33:00.000-07:00

Dedicated to an anonymous Internet friend.

Bionic Avatar

2010-07-09T21:06:00.000-07:00

One needs a face if one blogs, yes?

Rejected Logo

2010-06-27T03:44:00.000-07:00

So there was this acquaintance of mine approaching me a little while ago. He was really only looking for some input on a logo he was working on for his past time club. Back in Germany they have these traditional shooting clubs. The roots go back to the early 1900s where war veterans formed aspiring civil militia groups with a certain influence on the political landscape.
Times have changed considerably since then and these shooting clubs (Schützenvereine) are considered nothing but leisurely sports clubs today.
Anyway, I offered to give him a hand with his design. I even volunteered to create a brand new logo for his club of good old boys. Haven't heard from him since my first few suggestions. It's been weeks!
For some reason I don't think his fellow club members will like my take on it very much.

So I tried to tone it down.

Hmm...
They are so not going to like it.

But I do!! :-D

Self Portrait 2

2010-06-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Layout Adjustments

2010-06-09T11:51:00.001-07:00

Yeah... I wasn't really happy with the other layout. It felt overwhelming. So I adjusted it.
I still may not have all the colours right. I'll think about that another time...

Dilek - Turkish Delight

2010-05-31T12:29:00.000-07:00

Ouch, she has a terrible website, but I don't think that really matters...
http://www.turkishdancer.com

Catfight

2010-05-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

I started yet another Blog just now. Mostly because I enjoy creating new templates so much. Have a look some time if you'd like. http://catfiight.blogspot.com/

A New Face!

2010-04-24T13:12:00.000-07:00

Since my Ride to Conquer Cancer project really isn't going well at all lately, I needed some other satisfaction just so I know that I still have it going on. So I spent all day yesterday and half a day today to create a new look for my Blog. Personally, I am quite happy. I was getting really sick of looking at that boring default template you can recognize and see everywhere. Not very creative, really...
This one is much more handcrafted and unique. I did use an existing template but I changed it so much that the designers would never recognize it (so no credit, take that, designers! :-D).
I've been wanting to do something with Western lettering for a while. After working on that cowboy for an hour or so, I had the notion that he really looks a lot like young Ronald Reagan! I have no proof that he actually really modeled for this dingbat (which I changed a bit, too, his smile was just too goofy and his teeth way too small) but I will just think of him as Ronny.
I changed the lady a bit, as well, her mouth wasn't very nice, her nostrils were huge, and she looks really evil in the original, with frown lines and everything. I changed her eyebrows as well.
So, there you have it. I may have a lot of challenges connecting with my team and selling fundraiser tickets for my Cancer Ride ( I have the impression hardly anybody cares about wine tastings! :-o) , but I can still put a Blogger template together!
I am satisfied and shall go for a bike ride now, Cancer Ride or not.

Rebel with a Cause

2010-04-03T00:15:00.000-07:00

In reference to The Backup Plan.

Introducing: The Cause!

2010-03-03T15:45:00.000-08:00

This is really a sneak preview for my dearest blogger friends who have supported me for a bit over a year now. I am cooking something up! It is really not quite done yet but I do appreciate a few comments, words of wisdom or encouragement I know some of you will have for me - even at this very early stage.

So here's what I've been up to the last few days in secrecy, hidden away from the world until it'd look good enough to share with a select few first.

My new blog: Christina's Ride to Conquer Cancer

Please stop by, take a look around and tell me what you think.
Just so you know: I haven't officially registered yet because I really want to attend the orientation session on March 15th first. I am very impatient and I can't wait to sign up and get going with the fundraising. But I am trying to pace myself as I really don't have a clue yet what I am in for. It is hard to get detailed information for some strange reason so I will just hold out for now.
My new mantra: patience is a virtue, patience is a virtue, patience is a virtue...

I haven't told anybody yet (except the Bionic Man) so this is a a debut in the true meaning of the word.

Vegan Banana Coconut Cake

2010-02-19T23:58:00.000-08:00

I've been baking again. And it seems like I am getting better!

Joy!

It's those little Things...

2010-02-02T10:08:00.000-08:00

... that make me so happy at times.
I finally took Badass Geek's advice and put it to good use.
My very own Favicon - oh joy!

I am not sure if it'll work on all platforms and in all browsers - had a problem with my Explorer version just now - but then - no icons at all show up there - plus Explorer blows quite a bit anyway.

Also: I did not create this icon, this is just a test - legally stolen from the Hello Kitty pack on iconfactory.com

Making my own is on my to-do-list.

Walk Cycle

2010-01-30T15:15:00.000-08:00

She's staggering a bit. I didn't use Flash for this one, she is drawn frame by frame, mind you.

Pop Art Legwear

2010-01-22T22:15:00.000-08:00

Those who know me in person will know that this was long overdue.

My standard winter attire.

Others like Me

2010-01-09T00:08:00.000-08:00

Apparently I am not the only one one with an appreciation for balloons.

Feeding Frenzy

2009-12-28T22:40:00.000-08:00

For those who support Swedish law and the Pirate Bay.

Christmas Quiz Game - come and play!

2009-12-19T13:09:00.000-08:00

Oh my, I don't remember exactly when I created this. It's been years, that's for sure.I've been meaning to revive it for a few Christmases now.

I finally went down into the basement today, dusted off my old PowerMac G3!! (For those this doesn't mean anything to: pretty old Macintosh computer) and kept my fingers crossed that I could get it running.

Yay! It still works!

So, if you are game, why don't you go here to play the Very-famous-Christmas-Tree-Game! (You'll need sound.)

It's kind of cheesy, definitely gets annoying after a few minutes, and the preloader is missing (please allow approx. 10 - 30 secs for loading). But I had tons of fun building it back then.

Happy Holidays, everybody!

I want to break free...

2009-12-04T22:53:00.000-08:00

...from your lies

you're so self satisfied I don't need you.

- I've got to break free
God knows!

God knows I want to break free...

Queen of Consignment

2009-11-20T14:51:00.000-08:00

This is a hugely exciting project. One of my coworkers is going it alone and starting her own business.

A consignment store in Vancouver! We were all very happy for her and were looking for ways to help her with this endeavor. Another coworker and myself offered to help her with her branding.

She was looking for something "ageless, timeless, feminine, classy, chic, elegant, eclectic, glamorous, unique, fun." She was also looking to keep the colours to a minimum, that way it would be "less expensive to reproduce business cards, signs, etc." 'Simplicity' was another keyword she used. (Let me say this : it is so nice when the people you do work for actually know how to verbalize their needs.)

The other lady did the script and I added the graphic and put it all together.

Oh, one more thing: the future Consignment Queen graciously modeled for me so she would have an original graphic she can relate to. This is a first version. Let's see how she likes it.

Personally, I am pretty happy! :-D

From the Other Side

2009-11-18T12:53:00.000-08:00

Watched Poltergeist again last weekend. One of my favourite movies ever.

Helpline Operator

2009-11-11T23:30:00.000-08:00

"[...]

I'm the helpline operator & I'll spare you the time.

I'm the intimate stranger. Your problems will be mine.

Put your tongue into the mouthpiece

And whisper in my ear.
Admit to me
the things you can't admit to yourself.
Admit to me & no one else

Everybody's looking for someone

to tell them what they want to hear.
Everybody's looking for true love
To help them feel what they cannot feel.

I'm the helpline operator, can you spare me the time.
I'm the intimate stranger. Your problems will be mine.

True love will come."

- The The. Dusk.1993

Coming Home!

2009-11-09T21:29:00.000-08:00

Just came home from that awesome trip. Had a lot of fun. Ate the most delicious food, exercised like a mad woman, sat in the hot tub and frequented every coffee shop in "the village". *Sigh*

Did miss those cats of mine, though...

Vacation!

2009-10-30T15:33:00.000-07:00

I am going on a holiday! Not until next Wednesday - but I am pretty sure that I will be too busy with handing out Halloween candy and trip preparations to create anything. I will be checking in before Wednesday and see what everybody's up to. I won't be gone too long, just a few days and will be back in approximately 2 weeks.

Thanks everybody, I will bring back souvenirs for all of you! Toodles!

------------------------------------------>>

Unfortunately, I can't embed my Flash file in my blog, but you can view the animation here.

Родина-мать's other Son

2009-10-28T11:03:00.000-07:00

I have always been fascinated by Soviet propaganda. I am mesmerized by those giant statues they put all across the USSR. One of the most famous ones (and one of the biggest in the world) is Родина-мать зовёт! - literally translated "Mother Motherland is Calling", but mostly referred to as "Mother Russia". Located in Volgograd, Russia, she is commemorating the Battle of Stalingrad. When the memorial was dedicated in 1967 it was the tallest sculpture in the world, measuring 85 metres (279 feet) from the tip of her sword to the top of the plinth. (Lady Liberty is 151 feet tall.)
See her here. She is not a pretty lady, that's for sure. But boy, is she ever impressive! I've always wanted to go see her in person. Not sure if I can make it in time, though, because the lady's leaning due to groundwater level changes causing movement of the foundations. Unfortunately, the leaning is rapidly getting worse.One of these days mum's gonna fall flat on her face. Maybe it's a good thing that I won't be there when that happens. Still: crying shame, this. They didn't fix her to her foundation - she is only held in place by her weight, like so many of us. :-D

If one would go pay her a visit, one would first come across the very statue up above, well to a degree. :-P
Васи́лий Ива́нович Чуйко́в or Lieutenant General Vasily Ivanovich Chuikov was a member of the Red Army during World War II. He is also referred to as "Mother Russia's Son" (she had many, mostly members of the military). He's pretty impressive in size as well, but nowhere near mum's magnitude.

Well, things have changed quite a bit since those days. Lots of people have put down their weapons and left behind old concepts of so-called "enemies" and The Leningrad Cowboys have entered the scene! (Who are, by the way, not from Leningrad, nor are they cowboys, those guys are are Finnish! :-o) Whoohoo!

They invited the virtuosos of the Russian Red Army Choir to a little jam session back in the 90's. They hit it off right away. If I am not mistaken, they've been working together a couple of times since then.

Sooo, in short: up there you see a more peaceful, musically inclined and culturally curious Russian son. He was always around but didn't have much of a chance in the past. He still enjoys exercise a lot - nothing wrong with that! *Rrrooow* :-D

I recommend having a look and a listen to this amazing Playlist. Personally, I was blown away.

Thriller Night

2009-10-23T12:06:00.000-07:00

He had something he wanted to tell us.
He wasn't like other guys...

Of course not!
That's why we loved him.

No, he meant he was different.

???

We should have just... gone AWAY!!

--------------------->>

The Classic to be seen here

One, two, ... TEN!!

2009-10-21T11:55:00.000-07:00

I know - not really a big deal for y'all. But I counted 10 Outlet followers this morning when I woke up! I'm. So. HAPPY!
I know - this is nothing compared to the three gazillion followers so many of you have. But: I am very happy.
I know - it shouldn't really be about the follower count, it should be about the content - and yes, pitiful, veery pitiful of me. Yet: I am truly happy. :-D
And last but not least: I know - the 80s finally have caught up with me -I am convinced that all those commercials I am exposed to every day are to blame.

THANK YOU ten Outlet followers! I do appreciate your love and devotion very much! :-D

Strawberry Kitten

2009-10-17T14:20:00.000-07:00

Hmm... I guess only Lenny knows what they really are...

Introducing: The Trooper Award!

2009-10-14T13:45:00.000-07:00

Since there are so many cool awards floating about, I thought to myself: why not contribute one, too!

This one goes out to Mrs U at Mrsupole's ...ahem for taking up the fight against an army of evil health invaders.

Never. give. up!

It also goes out to Subtorp77's (basstuna) mom for facing the most frightening procedures although she's scared even of IVs like myself. This graphic might be kind of... well... puzzling to her, I imagine, but it is meant in the best possible way, really. All the best Mrs Subtorp! :)

I don't feel like attaching any rules to it. If you'd like to pass it on and you know someone who is deserving, go ahead. If not, fine by me.

I give good blog - how about you?

2009-10-13T11:14:00.000-07:00

Hehe, I got this one from Tattoos and Teething Rings for "creative and awesome graphics"! Booyah! :D

Now, in order to accept the award, I have to pass it on to 4 other awesome bloggers, much like myself.

Ok, I know just the ones:

1. Ronda at Ronda's Wonderland for her diversity and wit. I consider her one of my original blogger friends.

2. The Grid Girl at Chilling in the Grid because she is smart and hilarious.

3. TechnoBabe at TechnoBabe's Adventures - she is totally my kinda gal.

4. Gotta hand it back to the tattooed mama at Tattoos and Teething Rings because she's unique, witty, funny, and got tons of style.

There you have it. Keep on givin' it good!

Dia de los Muertos

2009-10-11T23:14:00.000-07:00

When I was about 10, I saw this exhibition at a European museum about the "Day of the Dead" in Mexico. I absolutely loved it and it has stuck with me all those years. The Mexican demonstrators outside the museum with their drums and traditional Mexican music have stuck with me, too. They distributed flyers, letting everybody know that the musem had cheated them and had taken their national heritage without compensation...

Cosmic Girl

2009-10-09T18:52:00.000-07:00

The Love Me or Die

2009-10-07T13:47:00.000-07:00

Inspired by C.W. Stoneking. Have a listen here.

I like him very much; unbelievable that such a young lad can have a voice like that. I follow him around on Blogger, too. ;) Only problem: He. never. posts. anything. Ever! I'm still following him, though, because the two posts he did manage to publish back in the day are great. :D

Voice Lessons the 2nd

2009-10-03T22:04:00.000-07:00

Ok, since I got a couple of cats out of my system the last few days I dared another - serious! - attempt at the previously mentioned Singing Practice Workbook.

Totally out of season - I have voodoo dolls and sculls on my mind right now (stay tuned!) - but I thought it's just nice and fitting to do...

L., what do you say?

Hello Kitty Sandwich for Bionic Man - A True Story

2009-10-02T20:03:00.000-07:00

Personally, I don't do Canadian bacon - considering them piggies - but those Kettle baked chips!

Hm! Hm! Hm!

Voice Lessons

2009-10-01T00:06:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you spend most of your time with cats...

A friend of mine asked me to create a graphic for her Singing Practice Workbook - she is a professional Voice Teacher.

We've been discussing and swapping ideas for a few days now - and all I can come up with is - a singing cat!

No! It does not appeal to the target audience! No! Training your voice is really not about cats!

I know, I KNOW!

I just have to get this cat out of my system. Hopefully I can be serious for a few days after this...

Until then: The Stray Cat Strut!

Once in a Lifetime

2009-09-26T23:17:00.000-07:00

...same as it ever was...

I do love David Byrne ...

Till Lindemann

2009-09-19T12:25:00.000-07:00

Gotten into trouble for that one already...

It's. a. flamethrower!

Catwoman!

2009-09-17T10:34:00.000-07:00

Created with my new wireless laser mouse. How very suitable!

Mein Freund der Baum

2009-09-05T01:56:00.000-07:00

Somewhat crudely translated from German:

My Friend the Tree

I've been meaning to see you for a while
my old friend of childhood days.
I had so much to tell you and I knew you'd understand.
As a little girl I came to you with all my childhood sorrows.
I've always felt secure with you and all my worries fleeted.
When I cried in your arms you'd stroke my hair with your green leafs
my old friend.

My friend the tree is dead
he fell in early morning dawn.

You fell in the early morning,
I was too late.
You will never sway in the wind again.
You have to lay by the alley and
some who pass by
do not honour the relic of life and
yank at your green twigs
that are bowing dying toward the earth.
Who is going to give me the peace
that I'd found in your shadow now?
My best friend is lost
who connected me to my childhood.

My friend the tree is dead
he fell in early morning dawn.

Soon a house of glass and stone will grow
where they've cut him down.
Soon grey walls will grow
where he lies in the sunshine.
Maybe there will be a miracle
I am going to wait in secrecy.
Maybe a garden will blossom in front of the house and
he will resurrect to new life.
But he'll still be small and little
and even if many years pass
he'll never be the same.

My friend the tree is dead
he fell in early morning dawn.

Have a listen

Tribute to Johnny Cash

2009-09-01T16:40:00.000-07:00

Wrong

2009-08-28T20:58:00.000-07:00

Sounds of the Universe
Depeche Mode 2009

Junimond

2009-08-22T12:05:00.000-07:00

Blame it on the ah-ah-ah

2009-08-19T00:17:00.000-07:00

... go on let it sink in ...

Driving Miss Daisy

2009-07-31T15:20:00.001-07:00

Because backseat driving is so much fun. ;)

Nightshift

2009-07-23T13:07:00.001-07:00

Rise of the Bionic Man

2009-07-09T00:34:00.001-07:00

Dedicated to those who need replacement of one part or another.

Hopeful Protester

2009-06-25T22:50:00.000-07:00

...The light of freedom, to do what is right for everyone, the light to see,

That everyone has the right to choose, the right to just be...

(Excerpt from Mrsupole's poem "The Freedom Seed")

Free Iran!

2009-06-24T14:44:00.000-07:00

Thinking of the people in Iran...

Do it for Bruno

2009-06-03T21:17:00.000-07:00

There are black bears in our neighbourhood. We named the one who comes to visit us sometimes Bruno.
On garbage collection day I have to get up really early to drag the cans to the curbside. We can't leave them outside over night because of all the wildlife and you just never know when the garbage truck is going to show up.
"Do it for Bruno" is my mantra for those early mornings. It's all worth it.

Evening Walk

2009-05-27T09:38:00.001-07:00

Wine Label

2009-05-26T17:02:00.000-07:00

I guess we'll be having South African Pinotage on the day of.

Wedding Cake Topper

2009-05-08T19:22:00.000-07:00

Vegan Apple Spice Muffins

2009-05-05T22:37:00.000-07:00

Ultra low fat, sugar- and animal product free. Simply scrumptious!

Spring Cleaning

2009-03-24T22:53:00.001-07:00

Instead of doing it I prefer drawing it.

Putting it all together

2009-03-21T12:51:00.001-07:00

Voilà, my new Starbucks tumbler wrapper.

Ingredients

2009-03-21T10:57:00.001-07:00

• Mandrake was used by superstitious folks for good luck.
• Mistletoe is an ancient healing plant that helps aid digestion and prevent arteriosclerosis. It was believed to protect against fire, evil spirits and witchcraft.
• Witches would make an ointment of henbane in order to fly and take on the shape of animals.

There - a perfect recipe for a great cup of tea!
I'll put that on my Starbucks travel mug. ;)

Laboratorium

2009-03-08T11:28:00.000-07:00

This was quite labour intensive.

Josephine Baker

2009-02-10T20:35:00.001-08:00

"I'm not intimidated by anyone. Everyone is made with two arms, two legs, a stomach and a head. Just think about that. "

Tell it like it is, Josephine!

The Rising Hope Revisited

2009-01-31T23:21:00.000-08:00

I did another version years ago. This one is much, much nicer.

Stargazer cat

2009-01-30T21:45:00.001-08:00

Stargazer
Medium: Yep. Illustrator.

This one is another classic in my collection. My other cat. She likes talking, giving massages, and eating - good and plenty.

Helloo Flecki!

2009-01-30T21:03:00.001-08:00

Hello Flecki
Medium: Illustrator again

This piece is really not all that fresh. I drew this a few years ago. My cat has actually grown a new dark grey spot right on her nose since then. :-o
"Flecki" is another language and means "Patches" or "Dottie". She likes singing in the bathroom at night, suntanning under my desk lamp, and getting brushed.

Time

2009-01-29T22:36:00.001-08:00

Time
Medium: Illustrator 10

That was fast! I find myself already completely hooked on blogging. I have big plans - but can't do it all at once of course. Tomorrow's a new day.

What good is sitting alone in your room?

2009-01-28T21:28:00.001-08:00

Fräulein Sally Bowls!
Medium: Adobe Illustrator 10
I've never believed in shameless self promotion and I've always thought that there may not be much to say. On a blog. Such as this.
But who's to say that blogging is only about "words", "sentences", "paragraphs"? I have stuff to show!
After all: A tiger is a tiger not a lamb, mein Herr. :D

So let this be the beginning of a long, and I mean looong blogging career.
Thanks for taking a look.