Category: writing

Art swap between friends

Here, I am attempting to wipe some of the dust off of my blog. Just gonna go…

Today, I received a package in the mail from my friend Jerielle. Earlier this year, she asked to buy a piece of art I made, but I was insistent that we—instead—barter. She has been making lovely “Daily Doodles” I have always adored. In the past, I have even tossed around the idea of getting a tattoo.
Anyway, I sent her the doorknob piece pictured below and she—in exchange— sent me one of her doodles I have posted underneath. I just love my friends and their art and seeing their art and having a piece of his or her art in my home! Makes me SO happy and I will never stop seeing the light from the creative sides of the ones I love. 


Z

Days of Wine and Knobs

Lately, I have, undoubtedly, been neglecting my writing. But, I have been quite busy making crafts—when I am not working my day job. Do I smell a hint of change in the air, there? I sure hope so. Anyway, here are some doorknob pieces I just made for my amazing friend Cathy. She was cool enough to ask me to make 4 for her. I am often reminded of how blessed I am to have the most amazing friends in the whole world. I added a couple other things to her package before shipping it off.

—Z

More knobs on the wall!

I have continued to make more of my doorknob pieces. I really love making them. After realizing that I have been focusing mostly on gold lately, I wanted to do something more silver. I do love silver and here is what I came up with:

The subtle, chevron print gives it a bit of a watery, fish-like vibe (at least in person). I actually debated hanging the key from a fishing line and hook and possibly adding other similar embellishments. 

After my weekend plans out-of-town were canceled, it was comforting to know I had MANY constructive things to do (TCB) at home. Consequently, the wall has received another treasure.

· To see more of these and other bits & pieces of my life, please check out my IG page:
https://www.instagram.com/zacdaq/

All the best,

Z

 

The Mr. Goodbar

The Mr. Goodbar 

In a mixed bag of chocolates 
I saw him and hoped, from afar
he was not ashamed to be
the Mr. Goodbar

In this home, he has probably
always been chosen last
in a game of grabbing
by a sweet-toothed family

I saw him and I realized
I had no idea who was—
never knew his chocolate;
never tasted his peanuts

After careful consideration, 
I decided he was The Best
The man always standing
whilst the others digest

Z

Z

 

Lost & Found

Lost & Found

Lately, he’s been making a drink
for himself—he calls
Lost & Found

Where in the world is it?
Where did I put that?
Oh my God!
I have been searching
for this for weeks.
I missed you so much!

Sipping on his capricious cocktail—
a strong mix of what is coming and leaving—
he vows to stop perspiring over  
the ingredients he can always edit

He is trying to be optimistic—
and to believe all the things
are just where they should be

Z

Fragility in a Frame

Last week, I was in Brooklyn visiting friends. I went on an excursion with Liz and ended up at a store called Union Max. I bought a set of 1970’s moth/butterfly specimens— each preserved in cellophane.

The lady at the counter warned me that they will easily fall apart; however, they were inexpensive and the idea of framing them felt exciting. I saved one for myself and finally devoted some time this afternoon to frame the one pictured above. 

The task ended up being a real mother f’er—the attention to detail required to complete the project was way more than I anticipated. After carefully cutting open the cellophane, the pieces instantly fell apart. I turned off the A.C. to prevent the wings from literally flying away and ran off to grab gloves, tweezers, and other tools.

Painstaking as it was, the end-result was quite satisfying. I am going to try my best to keep the piece safe and sound. Afterwards, I made sure to warn Liz that the one I gave her will probably be a beast.

Here is a photo of her yet-to-be-framed Lime Butterfly—so beautiful and fragile.

Papilio demoleus

Z

Suddenly Kittens

Last weekend, 2 kittens came into my life. One was found by the next door neighbor—an orange tabby—and the other kitten (whose type is yet to be determined) was found around 11pm on my family’s front porch. She appeared the night before Father’s Day. The running joke is that my dad received a kitten as his gift. 

Anyone who knows my family knows we are dog people. Every dog in our lives is spoiled and incredibly loved. We have adopted many rescue dogs and believe doing so is better than buying a pet. We have owned cats in the past, but dogs took over our hearts—probably because we have not had cats in our lives in some time. After my favorite cat died, I started telling friends that I am not a cat person. All that changed when the kittens appeared last weekend. 

The neighbor found a home for the tabby at her vet’s office. The kitten who chose our home has won our hears and has moved in. She is the sweetest little thing. Honestly, she has totally hit the jackpot and seems to be well aware. I would have never thought my dad would have taken so quickly to our purring buddy. He definitely has. 

Her name is Frankie (I am the one who named her!) and she has proven us all wrong. I am, in fact, a cat person. Life makes me realize, more and more, of how little I know and how quickly I can be proven wrong about what I think I do.

I could go on, but I should probably go check in on the kitten…

One day, I will look back
at a photograph of you
and think to myself
You were so damn cute!
Well, I will be right,
because you are

Z