My Name is Lizz

The Cute Little Cake Shop

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 09:55:28 -0500

I just backed this project. It’s a neat little concept and it would be awesome if they were to raise the rest of their money before their deadline on August 31st. Please help!

Ugh

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 11:19:43 -0500

The absolute last thing I want to do right now is errands.

Rusty has a grooming appointment at 12. Then it’s grocery shopping. When I pick up the dog, I have to get the cat checked out at the vet, too. A long day of running around is ahead of me.

Whine, whine.

Complain.

Whine, whine.

150 Google+ Invitations

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 17:23:56 -0500

150 Google+ Invitations:

First come, first served!

My cat is a furry pretzel

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 16:50:48 -0500

My cat is a furry pretzel

Vegan Italiano is one of my favorite cookbooks. This evening I...

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 18:55:00 -0500

Vegan Italiano is one of my favorite cookbooks. This evening I made the recipe called “Macaroni with Artichokes and Olives.” I have a feeling I’ll be making it a lot in the future. It was so simple to make and had a taste unique to my current usual dishes. I genuinely spent less than a half hour on it, which isn’t common even with recipes from “under 30 minutes” cookbooks!

You should do an interview with I speak tree about her new wrock cd coming out!

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:31:49 -0500

I dunno… I’m not really feeling Harry Potter stuff anymore. Again. >.<

I'll Yelp! if I want to!

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:13:09 -0500

I'll Yelp! if I want to!:

If you live in Texas and would like an opinionated vegetarian to follow, I intend to review my food-related adventures regularly from now on using Yelp! Of course, there are other things I can review on there, but I do tend to have a one track mind…

This happens to me in Austin of all places! Texas’s music...

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:35:37 -0500

This happens to me in Austin of all places! Texas’s music capital! :’(

Because they don't care

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 20:26:31 -0500

Because they don't care:

star-the-anglophile:

runalovegood:

star-the-anglophile:

runalovegood:

star-the-anglophile replied to your post: LeakyCon—Volunteering

Seriously? They actually told you to be vague? About what? Where the bathrooms were? No, but seriously, wtf. Don’t worry, I was…

I have heard even worse stories about volunteering. A friend of mine, for instance, volunteered in the vendor room at Phoenix Rising. There wasn’t a way to lock up at the end of the night so instead of making the vendors pack up all of their stuff and bring it to their hotel rooms, she decided to spend her nights there as well. Because she’s the nicest person on the planet. She barely left during the whole convention because she’s so selfless and the official organizers didn’t give a crap. No stepping in and saying, “well, I guess you’re right, and I can stay tonight so you can get some sleep.” And on top of that SHE PAID TO BE THERE. I expect that the attitude is that you’re supposed to know what you’re signing up for and if you’re stuck doing something you don’t want you should have expected it. Not that Narrate Conferences exist anymore. And although I love HPEF because they’ve always been fantastic to me, I’m sure there are volunteers that will complain about them, too.

Interview with Lauren Fairweather

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:22:12 -0500

Interview with Lauren Fairweather:

The article I mentioned in my last blog post is finally done. In it, Lauren shares with me her inspiration behind creating The Prince’s Tale as well as what the Snape/Lily relationship means to her on a personal level.

How Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 Changed My Life

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:23:01 -0500

I have to admit that I don’t post real blog entries nearly enough. A lot of that stems from the fact that I generally work over 40 hours a week, kicking ass and taking names, and the few measly hours I have to myself I tend to spend working on personal projects, attending to my needy pets, and focusing on becoming more of an Austinite.

I do, however, want to devote some time this evening, while the memories are still fresh in my mind, to the things that happened to me last Thursday night, for they have given me a great deal of perspective on my years devoted to the Harry Potter fandom as well as some inspiration for the years to come.

As a long time fan of the series, I went into Thursday night knowing what to expect. I knew it would be crazy, crazier than usual, but that didn’t affect me personally very much. I’ve done a lot of things, had a lot of experiences, and I face the vast majority of Potter related events with a “been there, done that” attitude. I think it comes with age and experience and I doubt there’s anything that will change this in me, save an encounter with JK Rowling (which I am nearly certain will never occur). In any case, I expected long lines, nerds in costumes, jerks ridiculing said nerds, my butt hurting from sitting on the floor, and an investment of at least $50 or my hard earned cash.

Unlike other premieres, though, that Thursday was not devoted to Harry Potter only. It was a workday. I had gotten up at 4:30 that morning and had opened my store. I had also brought my cat to the vet to be spayed. I worked for eight hours and then had to tend to a cat in pain. I was pretty tired and very worried about leaving my baby girl at home by herself, cut open, stitched up, miserable, and wearing the eternal cone of shame while I indulged in the guilty pleasure that is the wizarding world.

But I met my beloved at the theater around 5:30 and together, we began to wait, perhaps seven people or so from the front of the line. I spent some of that time playing Angry Birds on Chris’s phone (wouldn’t you?), but during the few hours we waited my mind raced with statements of self-doubt and ideas that could be described as based in post-Potter depression, though the final chapter on the Harry Potter films had yet to even begin.

Some time ago, Lauren Fairweather approached me about writing an article about her new album, The Prince’s Tale, for Examiner. Last November, I signed on to the freelance news website as the National Wizard Rock Examiner, reviewing some CDs, providing a few resources for those new to wizard rock, and setting up a new avenue for my wizard rock journalism. I did this because I missed being involved and felt like I had something important to contribute. But…

Come February, it was difficult for me to find time to brainstorm about new articles. It was also difficult getting input as to what wizard rock fans wanted to read about. Much like when I was in charge of the Wizrocklopedia, I didn’t get much feedback, consequently didn’t see the point, and ultimately just kind of stopped.

I was hesitant to write an article about this album. I had given up on wizard rock, I supposed. I still didn’t have much time for it and no one was going to read it anyway. I told Lauren that I wasn’t interested and was kind of snooty about it in the process.

Not one half hour later, I felt horribly guilty and wanted to change my mind. I was pleased as punch when Lauren agreed to go ahead after I apologized. I had a great time working on what we have so far and am very excited for the final result.

But at that moment, I was having doubts once more. It had been a few weeks since we had started and the article was not finished. Clearly, I didn’t have the time to devote to this project. And everything was ending, anyway. I had just read that the Remus Lupins were bringing their act to a close. Nearly everyone I had considered a friend during my time as a wizard rock journalist was currently in Florida, being more awesome and more successful than I was ever going to be, and I really did not see any point in being involved anymore, considering the fact that things were apparently going along just fine without my help or even my presence. That and Angry Birds was driving me nuts.

On top of that, it was pretty obvious to anyone waiting in line for a midnight show that the theater had arranged advanced screenings for some local companies. The time was approximately 6:45. The lobby of the movie theater was just starting to hum with an excitement that can only be described as “magical.” And though I’m sure other midnight show ticket holders were rabid with envy at witnessing whole families rush into 3D theaters to see the final Harry Potter film RIGHT THEN, there wasn’t an ounce of jealousy in me for them. Having been a part of the HP fandom, going to conventions and festivals and special concerts and being involved in peoples’ projects and careers, for an uninterrupted period of three years and then being suddenly sucked out of it and removed from that amazing environment by life and obligation and poor career choices had given me the worst possible feelings of resentment and abandonment imaginable. Watching these people get special treatment while I waited for an average shake was no new experience to me.

I didn’t really feel anything while watching this happen before me. I could see the sadness in the faces waiting in line around me. I felt bad for everyone else. But me? I was just kind of numb. Waiting in a content sort of mood. Such is life and the sort. It was a situation I knew pretty well, after three books and seven movies, as well as two Wrockstocks and five conventions I wasn’t able to attend. I knew I would be enjoying myself at midnight. But I didn’t expect to ever been thrilled by Harry Potter again.

It was 6:47. A few more hours and they would let us inside. I was looking forward to it being over. To making sure my cat was still alive. To sleep.

“Hi.”

Chris and I looked up to see a young, blond woman in an off-white shirt and shorts standing above us on the outside of our line.

“Hello,” I replied.

“How many people are you?” she asked us.

“Two,” we stated in unison.

“What would you guys say to seeing the movie at 7pm in a special screening?” she inquired, straight to the point.

“Buh?” and “What?” were our collectively calm responses.

Inside, however, I felt a rush of excitement that I had not felt since 2007 when the clock in Harvard Square rang with the first of twelve midnight chimes…

And in a flurry of panic and giddiness, we thanked her for the passes she handed us and went about securing 3D glasses and finding quite possibly the last two seats in the theater we had just then been granted access to.

I couldn’t believe what had just happened. I really could not. I sat rigid in my seat as I waited for the lights to dim and the previews to start, afraid that a member of management would find us in the theater and kick us out because we weren’t employees of the company who had bought the tickets. Or some other ridiculous reason. There wasn’t a logical explanation as to why we should be so lucky. We were about to have our places given to us, I could feel it.

But we weren’t “caught.” The movie began. We laughed. We cried. And as the lights came back on, we asked ourselves, “shall we do it again at midnight?”

We were lucky enough to be allowed to stay waiting in the same theater (our tickets for the midnight show were for the same location). We, quite literally, had the best seats in the house. We were both so happy, so excited, and in so much disbelief. I’m still baffled as to what happened or as to why it happened to us. Of course, I’ll take credit for it and call myself a wizard, but even if there was some higher power involved in our luck I don’t think I’ll ever be made aware of it.

When the show was over and the masses of people began cramming themselves into their cars, waiting in line to leave the parking lot and get on home, Chris and I sat on the trunk of my car and gazed at the neon lights of the theater, occasionally looking up at the stars. It was an amazing feeling.

I thought about everything I had been thinking about earlier. Was it a coincidence that we had just happened to receive these tickets, this special treatment? While a part of me thinks “yes,” another, stronger part knows otherwise.

It was obvious to me at that moment that the events that transpired were a message from somewhere; from fate, from the universe, or maybe even from a magical place that doesn’t really exist (except for within the hearts of readers everywhere).

Harry Potter isn’t done with me, yet. And I am most certainly not done with it.

Unpoular opinion regarding LeakyCon! Yay.

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 21:40:33 -0500

What you’re describing is one of them many reasons I’ve never been tempted to attend a LeakyCon. If I do ever go to another conference, it’s HPEF for me.

toysaremystory:

Read More

I'm on Google+

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 08:11:58 -0500

I'm on Google+:

I would like to see you on Google+, too. If you’ve registered, find me and I’ll add you to one of my circles. Otherwise, send me a message with an email I can send you an invite to!

“Helter Skelter”The BeatlesThe White Album I saw...

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:01:06 -0500

“Helter Skelter”
The Beatles
The White Album

I saw what I consider a hilarious post being reblogged on Tumblr yesterday in regard to being proud to be an American for the love of rock and roll. I’ve always been a fan of what is now considered “classic rock” because it’s something I was raised on. I was born in 1982, but my parents didn’t expose me to much music of that era. My little toddler pants listened to Aerosmith, Yes, Rush, the Moody Blues, and so many others that it seems like a lot of people my age (though especially younger than me) don’t know of or really appreciate.

As a result, I’ve decided to devote my #musicmonday posts for the rest of the summer (maybe longer) to “Rock Education” where I’ll share some of my favorite songs of yesteryear.

I couldn’t imagine starting with anything but the Beatles. “Helter Skelter” is one of my favorite songs, not just of theirs but of all time. I can’t describe to you how proud I was of myself to finally be able to play it on Hard on Rock Band for Wii. It appears on the absolutely famous “white album” with other amazing songs like “Dear Prudence” and “Back in the U.S.S.R.” It’s controversial, loud, kind of insane, and has been considered the first heavy metal song created. I also adore the way that they used the song in the musical Across the Universe.

Another tune to come next week.

Lovecraft In Brooklyn: Without america, americans wouldn't exist

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 08:13:03 -0500

Lovecraft In Brooklyn: Without america, americans wouldn't exist:

gunhand:

your-nibs:

100newfears:

92% of teens don’t listen to real rock and roll.

You say Justin Bieber, I say Slipknot

You say Metro Station, I say Blink-182

You say Ke$ha, I say Paramore

Reblog this post to REVIVE REAL ROCK AND ROLL

USA

since when was any of that real rock…

Try Rush, Heart, and The Who. As far as I’m concerned, real rock and roll was made before 1980.

This song is beautiful.

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 10:01:06 -0500

This song is beautiful.

I feel bad for myself

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:15:07 -0500

The other day I realized something that I’m not very fond of.

I used to do a lot of things. I used to draw. I played the piano. I made stuff with my hands. Like mad, even. I wandered around in the woods. I actually listened to music and sought out new artists and sounds.

I did what I wanted to do…

…instead of doing what everyone else does because it’s the popular thing to do.

I don’t know when exactly this happened, but I’ve been struggling with it since my early twenties. And I owe it to myself to get back into the things I used to be good at.

A few more screenshots of my Wizard101 experiences.

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 18:43:59 -0500

In front of my new Sultan's Palace.

My fancy new garden next to my oasis.

Watching someone unlock a new spell.

Fighting Krokopatra! Finally.

And getting to Marleybone on my own!

A few more screenshots of my Wizard101 experiences.

Logo design contest

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:09:22 -0500

Attention artistic folks!

I am about to start a Kickstarter funding project for a vegan cafe and green education center called “Magna Mater,” which is one of many names given to the concept of the Great Mother. While I can and may launch the project on the Kickstarter website before I have a logo for the center, I would rather put my best face forward complete with amazing graphicalness.

This is where you come in.

While my partner and I are both artistic, neither of us can really draw nor convert our doodles to something that looks professional and business-like. If you can, and would like to design me a logo and a t-shirt, here is what I’m looking for.

Magna Mater will primarily be a vegan cafe. If we can locate space big enough for it, it will also be a reading room (research library) and function hall where classes, workshops, and ticketed concerts will take place. The function hall will also be a great place for private parties and ceremonies (like small weddings). Therefore, the logo will need to represent the earth, nature, and/or celestial bodies. It needs to incorporate the name, Magna Mater, and a female face or body. This logo will be going on t-shirts, tote bags, and possibly reusable cups as well as the Kickstarter website, the venue’s official website, etc. Additionally, I need a separate design that is similar to the logo that will be used on a t-shirt that will be available to Kickstarter pledges only. That’s TWO designs I need from applicants, at least.

What’s in it for you?

You or your design company will be credited on the Kickstarter page and official website. You will receive $50 (sorry, that’s all I can spare) and a t-shirt featuring the design you created. And if I receive the funding that I’m trying to raise, I will likely consult your design services in the future.

How do you enter?

This contest will run through July 15th. You can email your entries to lizzclements at gmail dot com. Graphics need to be high resolution for printing purposes.

Please spread the word about this contest! If you are vegan, are vegetarian, are earth-oriented, live in New England, think you might come by when it’s done, want a cool place to hang out, know of any vegans, vegetarians, or earth-oriented people, or just want to help a hippie realize her dreams, reblog this post, share it with people on Twitter, or post the link to this contest on your Facebook!

Residents that like wizard rock

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 10:34:08 -0500

Are there any Second Life residents that like wizard rock? Is there a Wrocktopia (lol) on Second Life yet?