Book spine poetry: Attempt 1

Something for all book lovers to enjoy and engage with:

I recently discovered the ‘art’ that is book spine poetry. It is described as an “emerging form of expression” that became popular during April, aka National Book Month (not sure if it’s limited to America or not… as if you need an excuse to read books… but at least it encourages both adults & children to delve into the wonderful world of books).

What I like about this is the fact that you don’t have to create something out of nothing. You can look at the titles of books that are available to you, and use them to make something new – the authors of said titles indirectly ‘inspiring’ and aiding you in a journey of self-expression.

I know, I know, how cheesy does that sound?

Since I am an avid reader who still loves physical books (i.e. hardcopies), I find book spine poetry as another way to engage with the beloved books on my pretty-full-already shelves. It makes creation tangible – literally holding and weighing what you are about to make in your own hands. (Yes, again, super cheesy.)

That said, I’ll bite the proverbial bullet and share my first attempt at one of these poems. I took the photo at the beginning of the month already – just shows you how lazy I’ve been with posting things on my blog. (Note: the poem is a bit long. Perhaps I should opt for something shorter next time. Blame it on my enthusiasm for working with books.)

It’s such a pity that most of the books I’ve read over the last two years have been e-books – it would have been nice to have them on my actual shelves for later use. At least they’d help diversify things and add more flavour against all my prescribed books from when I was at university.

It’s not the best photo ever, so I’ll type out the actual ‘poem’ underneath it for easy reading. Next time, I think I’ll try using only Stephen King titles. Now that will be fun!

Diary of a bad year

 

Bleak house

Catching fire

Just after sunset

 

The whole truth

and the chamber of secrets

Twisted echoes

Persuasion

 

The husband

The lover

Out the door

 

Disgrace

Misery

Our tragic universe

 

Things fall apart

Under the dome

Addy’s Rock of Ages 21st

Morning blog readers!

And how are we all this morning? Hmmm??

I have a substantial headache, but other than that, I suppose I cannot complain. Tomorrow is a public holiday here in South Africa, as is next Tuesday (we’re probably one of the countries with the most public holidays – it’s ridiculous). So, if you take into account that I’ve put in leave for Monday, I’ll be having a 5-day weekend! 😀

I’ve taken on some freelance work and will be working over the long weekend, but (1) at least it’ll help me in the experience department, and (2) it’s extra money in my pocket, which is always nice.

We had my sister’s 21st birthday party last Saturday. Theme: Rock of Ages. Dress code: 50s to 80s attire. With that taken into account, I thought it only fitting to bake some rainbow cupcakes for the 60s/70s. I nearly ‘lost it’ when the birthday cake came out too moist (hate hate hate our oven!), and it made crumbs that got stuck in the icing, and I couldn’t get it to look a bit more professional… yet, overall, I think it turned out pretty well. I’ll share some photos below:

Addy's 21st birthday cake! I even made the 'd' in her name look like a musical note

Here's the origami piano I made 🙂

Thought the edible guitars would add a nice rockin' touch. Note: they're store-bought

Detail on cake: hearts & black 'beading'

Cupcake toppers...

...plus rainbow cupcakes...

...equals pretty (awesome) treats!!!

Some of the (80s) decorations in the hall

Feelin' the 50s/60s vibe with this sweet ride

For the birthday girl, who's a music student

This was placed in the foyer

And finally, here she is: the birthday girl! ❤

I give you… origami!

Morning blog readers

It’s another Monday (the vicious cycle continues…)

Things are quiet at work since we’re still waiting on the submission results… which I’m stressing about… naturally… I’ve been feeling a mixture of restless, irritated, defeated, listless, sick and other icky things for the last week. In a bid to help myself feel serene/keep calm/beat the boredom, I’ve decided to indulge in a bit of silliness (or creativity, however you want to see it) and start making origami!

The idea took root while I was busy browsing the web for ideas on what to do for our first wedding anniversary, which is precisely two weeks from now. Since the traditional gift for the first anniversary is paper, I thought origami would be a good way to go because it’s something I can make myself and will be appreciated, even if it is discarded at a later date… that is, if I don’t end up hoarding it… My initial thought was to make an origami carnation (or pansy), since that’s allegedly the flower associated with a first wedding anniversary (who comes up with this stuff?), but decided to start off with my favourite flower first: a lily. You can see for yourself where things went from there (photos to follow below).

I’m still not sure what I’ll be getting/making my Significant Other for the occasion, but at least (1) I have a few ideas, and (2) I have a new hobby to help eat up the endless blank hours at work…

…though I’m not sure if it’s helping to calm me down or, instead, getting on my nerves when I fail to get the reverse outside fold right for the how many-eth time. *sigh* I do worry about my sanity.

Not perfect, but at least you can see it's a lily... right?

Starting with the basics: an easy origami heart

Just had to make a kitty, of course - look how happy he is!

If I ever had to own a dog, I'd want a Scottish Terrier. This is probably the closest I'll ever get

Origami bat

Origami whale

After I made the piano (structure), I cut out a piece of paper, drew on the keys, coloured them in, and then stuck it on top. Not bad, huh? This was on top of my sister's birthday cake 🙂

Origami samurai hat

Kitty is a samurai! ❤

Wish I had used coloured paper for this lotus blossom

Origami lantern

Origami pinwheel

You arrange the party - I'll bring the hats

And finally: a little crown