Yes, it has. I’m sorry about that, it’s just that I haven’t really had anything groundbreaking to say or anything extraordinary to discuss here. Things tend to move rather slowly here, and I’ve seen an increase in my general workload as of late.
I have found that I actually really enjoy painting, but specifically oil painting. I used to exclusively use acrylics, both in school and the rare occasions I painted at home, but I have found that the buttery texture and consistency of oil paint has been much to my liking. It smells terribly, and using turpentine does a number on my head, but I can’t complain about the results. The smoothness of the paint and the seamless way it blends with other colors is just heavenly. It also takes far longer to dry, at least a week before the paint is totally dry and you don’t have to worry about smudging, but with the extended wetness comes far more wiggle room; you can edit far more easily than with acrylics. I have found, however, that acrylics are brilliant for ceramic pieces and should I ever take Advanced Ceramics, I can utilize my paints that would otherwise go to waste.
Dick Blick is quite possibly one of the best places for art supplies. It’s hard to get to where I live because it’s almost an hour away in Carle Place, but when you do get there, it’s essentially a warehouse of every single art medium and supply you could ever dream of, and then some. They have specialized drawing tables and easels, which I will hopefully be getting so that I don’t have to resort to using the cramped space that is my computer desk. The online store has fantastic variety, and for really amazing prices. To any of you who are artists or who aspire to become artists, Dick Blick will become your best friend.
When I was younger I heard stories about a fabled Pokemon Center right in New York City, and since then I was dying to go. I have been there numerous times (it’s now called Nintendo World), and let me tell you, it is indescribable. The entire bottom floor is dedicated wholly to Pokemon merchandise; games, plush, cards, action figures, you get the idea. The first time I went to this haven of Pokemania, I think I nearly tripped over my own feet trying to get in. The doors to the place are also agonizingly heavy, as though it was taunting me. It sounds incredibly silly (and let’s be honest, it really is), but as soon as I got inside it was as though I’d died and gone straight to heaven.
At the entrance is a pile of laundry baskets for people like me who essentially swooped in and picked up nearly every plush I could lay my hands on. Pokemon from generations 1-5 were there, pristine condition and handsomely made. The first time I had gone, I actually needed two large bags, sort of like the ones you get when you go clothes shopping at Kohl’s. I tend to only go once a year because then the stock changes and new plush are released so that when I go, it’s not the same stuff every time.
The top floor of Nintendo World is dedicated to all things Nintendo; it has a Nintendo museum, showing the evolution of the gaming systems, it has Super Mario and Zelda paraphernalia, it has Wii accessories, Wii games, Nintendo DS accessories, and several large kiosks with certain Wii games set up for anyone to play. Both floors are a bit cramped because of the sheer volume of merchandise, but if you can get there, do so. You will not regret it.
That’s all for now.
-Holly
