See Ya Soon, NYC.

I’m flying home tomorrow for a long visit. It’s hard being away from my family, but sacrifices are a part of life. You can’t pursue your dreams if you are afraid of growth.

One of the tiny gifts of being in New York for almost five years now is baring witness to the micro economy going on underground, literally. I can find diverse street art and performances on every train ride home. It’s all there: comedians, giant muppets, rock bands, cellists, Madonna wannabees. All I have to do is keep my eyes open.

For many native New Yorkers, all of the commotion and crowding that results from these subway performances is probably something they could live without, but I didn’t grow up here. It still amazes me, every time I experience it. People are wondrous creatures.

Still, it will be nice to leave it all behind for awhile. Sometimes this city can make me feel like there is no such thing as an off switch.

Stuff I Love: Unlovable by Esther Pearl Watson

THIS. IS AWESOME. OH EM GEE. If you care for me at all, please give me $ so I can buy this.

A SOON-TO-BE TEEN CLASSIC

Loosely based on a teenager’s diary from the 1980s found in a gas-station bathroom, Unlovable details the sometimes ordinary, sometimes humiliating, often poignant and frequently hilarious exploits of underdog Tammy Pierce. This remarkably touching and funny graphic novel tells the first-person account of Tammy’s sophomore year in 1985, from the first day of school to winter break. Her hopes, dreams, agonies and defeats are brought to vivid, comedic life by Watson’s lovingly grotesque drawings, filled with all the eighties essentials — too much mascara, leg warmers with heels and huge hair — as well as timeless teen concerns like acne, dandruff, and the opposite sex (or same sex, in some cases).

In the epic saga that is Unlovable, Tammy finds herself dealing with: tampons, teasing, crushes, The Smiths, tube socks, facial hair, lice, celibacy, fantasy dream proms, gym showers, skid marks, a secret admirer, prank calls, backstabbers, winter ball, barfing, narcs, breakdancing, hot wheels, glamour shots, roller coasters, Halloween costumes, boogers, boys, boy crazy feelings, biker babes, and even some butt cracks. Tammy’s life isn’t pretty, but it is endlessly charming and hilarious.

Originally (and still) serialized in Bust magazine, Unlovable includes over 100 new pages created just for this edition, which is handsomely packaged in a unique hot pink hardcover format with sparkly blue glitter that would make Tammy proud.

“GOOD!!!” – Lynda Barry

“From the moment I laid eyes on Unlovable, I knew immediately that I had to run it as a series in BUST. Tammy Pierce is such an endearing underdog, and her teen-loser ways keep me coming back. No matter how cool or smart you may be as a grown up, I think there is a little Tammy in all of us.” – Laurie Henzel, BUST Magazine Creative Director

“Unlovable is why we all want to forget about our high school years, but we just can’t help but reliving parts again to feel the pain.” – Eric Nakamura, GIANT ROBOT Co-Founder

“I laugh and laugh and laugh, then I feel bad about reading someone’s diary. This would be a horribly mean book if Esther didn’t love everyone in it so much…. So I keep reading. And I laugh and laugh and laugh.” – Jordan Crane

“This book reminds me of my life. It’s like looking in a mirror and the mirror has stickers and tooth brush splashes on it.” – Leslie Hall

416-page two-color 5.75″ x 5.75″ hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-56097-955-5

In stock: Late Jan./early Feb. 2009
In stores: Mid-Feb. 2009

Stuff I Love: Things By Jen

Jennifer Ruiz is an artist from Patterson, California, who I discovered through the Chicana/o Art, History, y Cultura pool on Flickr.

I am in love with her Dia de los Muertos/Virgen de Guadalupe-modified  figurines, charms and jewelry.

She describes herself as “a peaceful chick who loves art and creating! You can usually find me at thrift stores or yard sales on the weekends or in my room where I spend a lot of time working on my things. I love blues, jazz and old movies! I create everything from canvas art, jewelry, figurines, beads, dolls and pretty much anything I can slap some paint and glue on.”

Not limited to strictly Chicano inspired art, Jennifer creates all kinds of delightful items from playful dinosaur earrings to vintage shadowboxes.

You can browse and purchase her wares on Etsy.

I am so inspired by people like Jennifer who are actually creating. I am committed to making 2009 the year I do the same.