Below are the 20 most recent journal entries recorded in Baphometis' LiveJournal:

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Thursday, July 3rd, 2008
7:22 pm	The Sketchy Ham,Weeds, and Leftover Cheese Sandwich Report Today I cleaned up the dye stains in the shop bathroom sink.  'Bartender's Friend" is a very handy cleaner- I use it alot more than "Comet" based formula cleansers. I also found a home for the last of my shop's copper jewelry. I bought it years ago, and eventually took it off the shelves because it tarnished so fast and didn't sell. I attatched a bunch of it to bags and other projects, and got use of it that way. The last five pieces are going to a friend as part of a prayer bead project. I cleaned and coated them with finish one last time. Good Riddance. As the increasingly overcast day progressed, my mood also darkened. I broke two or three blades on my strap cutters, and finally gave up and got out a razor knife. I've worn out the blade on that too, and can't figure out how to change the blade. I am feeling moody and somewhat pissed off, so I am pausing for a bit before looking up instructions on how to change the blades online.  I realized when a friend asked me for a glass for water, that I have fallen into "darkly grungy artist mode" and haven't cleaned the lair thoroughly in a long time.  I realized I've been using one cup, one plate, and one colander to prepare most of my food, and just one pan to cook in for at least a month. I've been handwashing my clothes in the tub and sink as I've absolutely had to since FSG, and spending most of my nights with minimal light. I am not enjoying my own company right now.  Frankly, I have become intensely annoyed with myself, and I "wish I'd go somewhere else for awhile".  I know *why* I'm pissed off when left to my own company- my mind keeps turning towards the familiar dark pit  full of impending fear, frustration and hopelessness. I am very angry with myself. I know what's brought it on too. I have three to four new doorways opening that I'm poised to step through. The anger and fear is pouring like pus from memories, reflections, and regrets. So much unfinished business.  So much time lost. Here I go again. I find myself turning to the mallet, chisel, and knife in an attempt to feel the road under my feet. Its every project I can conceive, set hand to, and see to completion gives me a bit of reprieve. It's my way of "buying time to look into the sky", I guess. (Comment on this)
Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008
5:47 pm	The State of the Leather to the Broken Door. While waiting for the weeds, balogna and cheese sandwich to heat up, I refilled the bathtub to soak some more leather.  Today I spent some time up on the ladder replacing nearly all the hallway lights in the tenant section of the house. I discovered that the door knob on my kitchen entrance is trully gerfucked- the lower atch is brken-in the "shut" position. I tried disassembling the doorknob. It was so tisted up inside, I had to smash it apart with a mallet.  The latch is still in there. I tried reaching in with pliers and dissempling the mechanism. It don't wanna dissemble. Ideally, I would have a pair of vice grips with jaws set on a 40 degree angle. I don't even know if such an animal exists. meanwhile, I can't get the door open. The deadbolt is fine. There is a creepy hole where the door knob assembly was. I think it would be funny to shoot suction cup darts through it at people as they exited the building... at least once. I alo noted that my leather supply is running low again- at least on the veg-tan sheets. I have a lot of scrap- not real big though- 'bout the size to assemble belt bags with. I have *tons* of  the nice 4 oz garment stuff. Of course, I don't really enjoy sewing softer leathers, but at least it is pretty! It's time to move it all to the tool gate, and lock it all up.  I wonder if I can get a shelving unit in there by myself. Time to check on the stuff in the bathtub. (Comment on this)
Tuesday, July 1st, 2008
5:08 pm	Lizardy Updates The last post I made shows a picture of a bag I recently finished for a customer. For those of you who I have long-standing leather projects for- I have not forgotten. I am waiting on: -a belt buckle -a chance to set a day for adjustments for cut pieces Woodworking projects are on *brief* haiatus in lieu of tools being sharpened. Some things I sharpen myself (my low-grade "Disposable" tools), and most of my *good* tools, I don't. I have trouble holding and judging angles by eye and feel- this is why I tend to avoid unassisted acts of carpentry. Carving doesn't require the same kind of precision. -------------------------- Today I noticed the ct spray smell has become intense. I'm telling you- it's not  my  cats!  Crybaby  (one of the local strays who hangs around) got in when I wasn't looking the other day (again) and I didn't know it when I went out for my morning errands. That fuzzy nutted bastard was here for over an *hour* and now with the heat and humidity, it smells like cat piss on my floor of the building. I burn incense, I have a fan. I am even slowly going through all the rooms and mopping and sniffing for sprayed on surfaces. Meanwhile, I am very annoyed. -------------------------- Speaking of being annoyed, I have not slept well for the last two nights. Somewhere in my neighborhood  is a smoke detector (or something similar) that has been going off for at least two days straight. I can't hear it  in the  house during the day, but at night when it is quieter,  I can hear it through shut windows right through the walls. I don't wear earplugs when I don't have company- I find it unwise to not have full use of my hearing when I am asleep. If it doesn't stop *today* I am going to look for the source of the noise and fill out an official complaint. ---------------------------- I went to see Devo at the waterfront in Boston last Friday. I will admit- it was jarring at first to see the members of the band in person. I've seen photos of these guys when they were in their 20's through early 40's.  In the end, it didn't matter, of course. I'm not exactly a teenager either!  Their set was *fantastic*.  A lot of people who I know that only remember Devo from their three  (yes, three, not one) to four radio hits tend to not think of them in terms of being skilled musicians.  I'll tell you- they still are. unlike some other aging rock bands, these guys needed (and had no) voice layering, drum machines or pre laid tracks to hit on cue.  They were just as weird, funny and creative live as I remember them being on their albums. 'Booji Boy" made a totally unexpected appearance, and sang the entirety of "Wonderful World" in his strange,  unsettlingly  reedy voice.  De-evelution Is Real, Toil Is (still) Stupid, and  a  monkey DEFINITELY applied the glue!  Tom Tom Club opened for them , and closed with "Take Me to the River".... bonus! ----------------------------- That's all for now. (5 Comments |Comment on this)
3:50 pm	Winged Sun Disk w/ Eye of Horus bag (6 Comments |Comment on this)
Saturday, June 28th, 2008
7:44 pm	We Were All Devo. On Friday night, my dear Sunastria took me to see Devo. Devo is one of my favoritest bands EVAH. I have wanted to see them for about twenty years. Seeing them was bittersweet- but mostly sweeeeeeet. I was hoping to be able to go into Salem tomorrow for the Gnostic Mass, but unless something unusually convenient happens,  it's probably gonna be a wash. I was going to go and return a DVD tonight, but I am having second thoughts about wandering through Clark campus tonight in the dark by myself.  Suddenly not so keen on it. I'm working on another project- frigging gussets. This is the THIRD gusset I've had to re-do. I hate trying to guess how its gonna fit.  I had to actually rip a friggin' seam. Unbelievable. (Comment on this)
Tuesday, June 24th, 2008
6:25 pm	Feeling Ill, Rations Low ...but at least the cats have food for a few days. Today I am finnally going to work on a leather project I've been putting off for awhile. I haven't done any leather work of significance since all the moving and such. I'm not even quite certain where my shears are at the moment. Time to put together a work station. Whee! (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Thursday, June 19th, 2008
10:26 am	Schneider dayz At 9am I went to the second floor and excavated a dryer vent. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. I even got the cheap thrill of knowing I brought the right tools the first time 'round. Its nice to feel competent on occasion. I looked inside my head this morning... "mmm... crispy".  Not as in "burned black" as in "properly fried in batter". I've been processing alot of  things lately. (Comment on this)
Tuesday, June 17th, 2008
11:40 am	It used to be music on the radio. In the past, it was not unusual for me to listen to the radio and occasionally hear a song which had lyrics which somehow reflected my mood, or overall state of emotion in some way. Now that phenomenon has been extended to SPAM. Recently, I received a piece of SPAM that was titled: "It's Living in Your Bowels and Has Teeth but No Eyes" This header caused me to pause and smile. The image appeals to my dark, fatalistic side. I think this line reflects the overall "stirred muck" feeling I have had in the pit of my stomach lately. Free Spirit Gathering was good in many ways. The new series of workshops was well attended. I received more "props" from attendants and organizers than ever. So far as I am concerned, I'm *glad* they went over well, and that I have been cleared to offer the Babylon's House track at Mythical Journeys. (Somehow, a pre-edited version ended up sent and up on the webpage which is somewhat embarrassing- i will try and correct that ASAP). Also, during the event, I learned a great deal... about the "sacred sex scene" in the area previous to my introduction last year, what sorts of challenges I may face as I continue to ride along the wilder, hillier part of this trail, and of course, gained a little insight about what my strengths and weaknesses may be as a presenter of material in this area (though I was good, and kept my word and did not look at a single feedback form). C. was a wonderful companion- very supportive, uber-helpful, and good company to boot. Ms. B, of course "came with me". I set a little altar up for Her on a tree stump next to my booth not far from our campsite. A lovely person secretly brought me a thoughtful gift (a BPL "Sacred Whore of Babylon Oil") during the event, and I was "inspired" to obtain a second "lesson figure" for Her altar. I also was asked during one of my workshops to talk about my personal relationship with Ms. B. and my take on Who She Is. I hate to admit it, but it's true- talking about that makes me feel terribly self-concious. I imagine that I am in a similar position to Don Quihote or the Emperor Norton, with the additional disadvantage of being aware that I house faith and doubt inside. I have a "need" to tell Her story, and a deep fear of the pain of having my ass handed to me, which I spend too much time trying to mitigate though disclaimer. More later. (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Monday, June 16th, 2008
11:00 pm	Back again: still feeling "gone" C. and I got back to the house yesterday at about midnight. The short version of "my summer vacation *not*" is: Biz was poor. The "clearspace" for the Fett went fine. The new workshops were rather well attended. I am caught between being pleased by the feedback I received for said workshops and rather anxious. I didn't go to any workshops, but I feel like the Salmon of Knowledge flapped around on my lap for a good long while. I was happy to spend time with C, and was very pleased to gain perspective on his part of the universe. I suspect I have inhereted some of my father's supernatural luck by osmosis. Moah Later.. my eyes are sore and my brain feels quite mushy at the moment. (Comment on this)
Saturday, June 7th, 2008
10:31 pm	Hours passed... one job done. Whee. It took me many hours to come up with a description for the "Babylon's House" Track I'm offering for MJ this year. I don't know if I will be offering the *only* sexually oriented track this time 'round, but It's gonna be different- for me as well as for the event- that's for sure! The bearish bit about writing the description is that I wanted it to be as concise as possible, but clear. I also included expectation guidlelines, but wanted to limit them to under a page. I hoped I managed to be clear without being overly heavy-handed. I tried to infuse the rulz-nezz with humor. I went for a long walk after work. I picked up some fast-food eats, rented a couple of DVDs, and checked out piercing jewelry at a local parlor on my round trip to the closest pharmacy within safe walking range of my shop. (All of my gold-toned piercing jewelry came in. I have everything but my tongue stud and belly jewelry. Because these places tend to be high on the moisture, I feel that I may have to invest in much higher quality stuff than I have in my ears, septum and labret.) I *finally* saw the last two episodes of The Sopranos. It was pretty cool. I appreciate that the writers had the guts to end the series on their terms, regardless of the risk of pissing off the audience (which of course, they did). I do wish I knew "what happened" to everyone- but I think that was part of the point to the last episode ending the way it did. Tomorrow, it's work and pleasure, than the Big Pack on Monday. (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Friday, June 6th, 2008
9:48 pm	Some Days I Realize I am Capable of Being..... .... a complete ass. I was talking to someone about the last time I drank too much (for the first time in about 4 years- re "drink until the body sez "NOW LOOK YOU DOUCHEBAG- CUT THAT OUT- RIGHT NOW"). I had had a pretty tough day at the shop, and was looking forward to some time and attention with/from loved ones. The short of it, is I missed the finer implications of something that was said to me- all that penetrated my thick skull was "not up to staying up too late, hope you understand", which I thought I did. I figured "oh, well, if I'm going to be on my own after such and such o'clock, I may as well indulge". And I did. I took two drinks two many (and more sadly, knew better), and just today, received a clue-by-four on what I missed. I was pretty ashamed the next morning, but fortunately, my hosts were forgiving (as was their plumbing, thank the gods) and life has, of course gone on. The conversation that led to this sweetly bitter revelation was not bad- it was sincere and genuine, and the instrument of my enlightenment a gentle lady in the truest sense. It is me that I have trouble stomaching at times. Along with expressing my regrets, I told her a bit about where my head was at at the time. I did not take it as an insult when she said that she found the origins of my point of view at the time somewhat fatalistic- how could I? I have found it fruitless to perceive insult in truth, especially simple truth. That's not to say I like thinking about that particular line of baggage, either, nonetheless feel comfortable talking about it. *SHRUGS* In any case, I'd rather feel like a fool and be forgiven for my foolishness, than remain a fool that is unforgivable. (Comment on this)
Wednesday, June 4th, 2008
12:11 pm	Home of STBY incense. Welcome to Bones and Flowers.. home of "Sucks to be You incense". ("Hexing" was a little too oblique for some shoppers) (3 Comments |Comment on this)
Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008
10:55 am	STEALTH found herself At around 10:30am, I opened the front door to the shop due to the most pitiful kitty crying sounds. Stealth beetled in, and headed for the kitchen parlor for food. Other than looking a little thinner, she seems all right- she's still got her collar and tags on. She's walking around and sniffing things alot, occasionally going for more food and some water. I've picked her up a few times- she doesn't seem to have any new wounds or bugs. Where she's been for the last two weeks and change (almost three now) I have no idea. (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Monday, June 2nd, 2008
3:16 pm	Diary of the Dead, Home again. Back here at the Lair, things seem all right- for the most part. Stealth has been missing for awhile- about a week and change- time to start calling the local vets and shelters. Other than this, thinks seem all right for now- time to get ready for Free Spirit Gathering, and continuing the process of getting the shop back up to speed. (Comment on this)
Sunday, June 1st, 2008
6:35 pm	Dreamscape Last night's dreaming was pretty bad. Bad signs: 1. The "room" in the dream was a poor imitation of a room- like something that doesn't see the way that humans do tried to generate it. Very little consistant physical detail or *sensual* sensation. There was *dimension* but no body to anything. It's hard to explain exactly how things "looked" because I suspect that I wasn't "seeing" things from the perspective of something that has optic nerves, or retinae. 2. Color. I've dreamed in black and white. I've dreamed in muted color. I've dreamed in "holy crap, turn the richness down". If this had been television, the cyan spectrum stuff was off. Really off- things tht should have had red or pinkish tones were sickly orange. 3. I was unable to "eject myself from the dream" in the manner that I am accustomed to, despite the fact that I was absolutely cognisant that I was dreaming- I was even aware of my body sleeping, and that there were other people in hearing range. I felt things got urgent enough that I *decided* to get my body to moan, cry out, or if nescessary, scream. Considering that a light sleeper was camped less than *two feet* away, is a *very* light sleeper and didn't hear squat is somewhat distressing. 4. For me, recurring "characters" of this nature are rare-to none. Last time the other "person" in my dream wanted my hair, this time he (she or it) was not dicking around- this "person" demanded access to what I will call my psyche/core energy, in order to take what he/she/it considered it's due. I refused. Things got really nasty. 5. To say the dream ended, or faded would be incorrect. I would describe the psychic experience as "ripping through the wall/veil of the dream reality back into this one". In retrospect, I look at the situation *not* as me being stronger, or cleverer, or anything like that. Rather, I feel that I was able to stay difficult to "hold on to"- too much of a nuisance to continue bothering with for the moment. If this "dream scenario" doesn't occur again, or the same "manifistation" doesn't show up- that's fine with me- I'll offically call it a fluke, a bad bit of dinner- what have you. If it does, I don't care how stupid it might make me feel or look, I'm putting out the "Bat Signal". (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Friday, May 30th, 2008
2:18 pm	A little rain must fall... but prefererably not through my ceiling. So, WC and I were getting our day started this morning when I heard this sound... water... unfamiliar water... *inside a wall*. I checked the bathroom. It was coming through the boarder of the wall and the ceiling. As I dashed back out, I felt a splash from above. the computer desk was starting to take on water from above too. I ran upstairs, woke the tenants on the 2nd floor (it was 6:50 in the AM), and water was pouring onto their kitchen floor from behind the sink. they quickly shut off the valve, and I called the plumber while WC checked out the basement. The plumbers were here within the hour- turned out a "source pipe had shredded itself" from age. It was replaced, and no significant damage was present. I'm glad of that, obviously- I'll take drama over real damage any day! (Comment on this)
Tuesday, May 27th, 2008
5:32 pm	Infernal Machines I own a really nice bench top buffing machine. I have never used it- I have *watched* it in use from a distance, with my heart in my throat. I bought it at a really good price because the previous owner had broken his fingers while using it 2 or three times before giving up. It does a beautiful job- nothing wrong with it. I actually have a project that it would really be handy for. It's not that I don't understand how it works, or what not to do (this boils down to not, under any circumstances, letting any clothing or body parts/extensions get anywhere in proximity to this beast when it is on. Ever.) Anyone know where I can get a kill switch for it? I am shagged out today. My brain is definitely on the blink. I think I have a very mild case of "brain fag". (Gah! No Violet Rays! I'll take a nap later instead!) In a fit of silliness, I composed a short filk this morning. It refers to the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica. In honor of Admiral Cain, and Geda's missing leg, I have composed a short filk to be sung to the tune of the "Dreidel Song". This is a work in progress, and I may be tempted to add more verses or deny the existance of previous ones in the future. "Ohhhhh.... Dreidus Dreidus Dreidus, Cylons wrecked my day Dreidus Dreidus Dreidus I wish they'd go away!" Elvis will now leave the building. (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Saturday, May 24th, 2008
8:45 am	Here today, Gone tomorrow Wah-Bah! I hope to have another productive day in the shop today. I was able to put payment in the mail for the last unpaid for Ebay auction that I need taken care of before FSG, and have enough left over for a couple of fresh rolls and a can of tuna. Kick Ass. I called my gf last night, and told her I tried the wild lambs quarters we found growing next to the shed. (Many in the studio audience may be thinking something like "What? You eat things you find behind your house on Main St.?" Yes I do. I eat fish that come out of Boston Harbor too- it's my cheap thrill, and I'm stickin' to it.) She seemed a bit tickled by this. She's noted my never ending quest to but new and unusual things in my tuna salad. This one falls on her shoulders- I didn't know what "lambs quarters" looked like until she pointed them out ( : . I really like spinach, but the variety offered at local markets is often a bit wilted, and I am sort of tired of it for now. My most recent version of tuna salad: 1 can tuna salad 2 cups chopped lambs quarters (wild) 4 chopped young sections of chives (wild) teaspoon. sage 3 pinches black pepper 1 shake of thyme 4 slices of canned green halepeno peppers mayonaise to taste (I'm a lifelong fan of Helman's original) Mash it all together, place on a nice, soft sandwich roll from the corner store. If there is enough room, you can also add a small sliced hardboiled egg. (3 Comments |Comment on this)
Wednesday, May 21st, 2008
3:53 pm	Bones and Flowers v4: Still Clerkin' This is the second day I've had the shop open in it's "new location" (Same channel, different shaped box). It looks really nice- the energy flows better too. Biz iz, of course slow. I don't expect it to start kickin' around here for awhile. Not everything I sell is *quite* out yet- I got rid of the hideous pegboard walls, so a few things need to be re-packaged for sale on shelves, or wait for fixtures to be built. The apartment is genuinely...well... *swell*. I actually *want* to unpack- I think I can really thrive here now. I went through all of the bags of clothing and costuming this morning. I have *alot* of laundry to do. I'll be closed tomorrow (Thursday) open Friday and Saturday, closed Sunday, and open all week starting Monday. Gotta ease into these things you know.... ( ; . (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Saturday, May 17th, 2008
9:23 am	*Burp* I woke up at 7:30am. Got out of bed within the hour, and set off the smoke detector by 9:00. I jumped out of the bath, ran into the kitchen and was annoyed to find what I had suspected: instead of turning the burner on under the tea, I had ignited the burner under my cast iron ban, and the oiled surface had begun to smoke. I opened a door and a window- the smoke alarm shut up (it freaking *talks* in a loud, vapid, but agitated female voice, as well as bleeping) in fairly short order. The painting of the shop should be completed today. Tomorrow J. will be coming over to help me set up the fixtures. Whee!!!!! (Comment on this)