#had to mix it w soda and juice to make a baby cocktail

[qierxing]

alright i am not a gin person

[medicus-mortem]

chatcambrioleur​:

The man Nami had chosen to occupy her time with certainly wasn’t as bright as Law, though he shared his affinity for dark clothing and tattoos. The smirk he attempted to use to charm didn’t even come across half as alluring as Law’s. It almost made her resent the poor guy. Despite everything, Nami was determined to have fun. To ignore the voice in her brain pointing out how this man was nothing like Law, and would never come close to him, no matter how badly she wanted to fill that gaping hole she felt without him. Nothing said she couldn’t dance with … what was his name, again? Nothing said she couldn’t enjoy a drink — even though she would much rather have one with the surgeon, and not this guy. 

It seemed like this one was genuinely interested in her, though — asking details, smiling at her, maintaining eye contact, almost to the point of creepiness. Nami didn’t mind flirtatious little whispers in her ear as they danced, but it was when the man brought her a drink that she noticed something was… off. 

He seemed a little too interested in making sure she finished that drink. 

Sitting at a table with him, enjoying the music, he seemed concerned when he noticed that the drink was barely half finished yet. Nothing smelled or tasted off, in Nami’s mind — but the fruity cocktail, a mix of cranberry juice, orange juice, and vodka, was one that she ordered often, and she’d never seen it look so dark and cloudy. The ice in the drink was sinking to the bottom — on top of everything, she noticed something else that was quite unusual. Fizzy bubbles. Odd, when she didn’t order it with club soda or sparkling water. 

The stranger’s eagerness to ensure that she finished her cocktail only brought Nami to one conclusion: he had ill intentions. He wanted to drug her— and if he didn’t succeed with her, he would surely try with another woman. Maybe someone who wouldn’t be so lucky to know what was happening — or maybe a woman who didn’t have a fierce pirate crew on her side. 

Nami was going to stop him from even thinking of something so vile, and hurting a helpless woman, ever again. Unfortunately for the man with the tattoos, he’d picked one woman who seemed ordinary, but had extraordinary powers on her side. 

She tapped into old tactics she used while pickpocketing — or, while cheating in drinking contests. Spilling out a little of her drink into a plant when no one was watching. Tilting her head back and pretending to take a sip, every so often. When she noticed her companion growing impatient, Nami played her part. 

“Oh… I don’t… I don’t…” She slurred, her body slouching against her companion, who seemed to perk up. The drug he’d slipped her was working accordingly, so he thought. “Come on, gorgeous,” he purred in her ear. Allowing him close made Nami’s skin crawl, but she had to, if she wanted to fool him properly. Past the flashing lights, loud music, and crowds of people, he dragged Nami along, with her arm around his neck for support. A stumble in her step and limp legs, her head hanging low, she looked as though the drug had some affect on her. 

“Where— where are we…?” The apparent, barely coherent redhead whimpered, although the male only shushed her, soothingly. A few buildings away from the club, he led her down an alley. For now, Nami stumbled and played along; he would be in for the shock of a lifetime once they were out of the public eye. Nami would teach him to never even think of attempting to drug a woman ever again.  

“Don’t worry about it, baby.  We’re gettin’ out of the way, so we can have a little fun.” 

Leading her down an empty alley, Nami would be reaching for Zeus any moment. 

   Trafalgar Law steps out of the stuffy, alcohol pungent bar into the street. He pauses for a moment, taking a deep breath of the cool night air. It is refreshing the way his breath fogs in the cold, but alas, the chill isn’t enough to soothe the anger swirling within him. He is irritated by the time he just wasted, by the pointless, inane conversation he found himself a part of. He is angry at himself, at the longing, and thoughts that have invaded his mind. Nami’s face, smiling with eyes bright, comes to mind, and he squeezes his eyes shut. Another bout of anger, of frustration. He’s not supposed to think like this.

   A huff, and he starts to walk down the street. He reaches into a back pocket and pulls out a metal cigarette case, and his Jolly Roger adorned lighter. A joint is tugged free to be held in his lips, the case once again shoved into a tight jean pocket. Just as he brings his lighter up to the tip, he catches motion out of the corner of his eye. For a moment, his mind registers it as a drunk couple struggling down the street, on the opposite side of the road from him, then he notes the shock of vibrant orange hair.

   Frowning, the doctor raises his gaze towards the stumbling couple, and sure enough, he sees Nami because that is the very dress she was wearing. Grim mind jumps straight to conclusions, his jaw tightening and a jealous, disgusting pit forming in his gut. But then the gears start turning, and his brilliant mind starts cataloguing unusual behaviours, even from this far away.

   The man doesn't struggle with his steps, only with holding up Nami, who looks sluggish and barely able to stand. He’d noted how she was making certain not to get drunk all night and the time frame between him last seeing her and now is not long enough for Nami to get so drunk she can’t stand. Not to mention the fact that her tolerance would certainly be greater than that dude’s. All of it comes together into one conclusion.

   Nami isn’t drunk. She’s drugged.

   “Shit, shit!” the doctor hisses, shoving his lighter back into his pocket.

   There is no hesitation, no second thought, as he increases pace and makes straight for Nami and this predator. He doesn’t run at them, even as his entire being screams to do so, nor does he summon his Room. He doesn’t want to alert the man that he’s been caught. Law doesn’t want him to get away. He want’s him to know and understand the consequences.

   The guy pulls Nami into a dark alleyway, and now Law breaks into a run. As he comes to the foreboding entrance, he raises his hand, his power swirling in his palm before being released into a Room that takes over the thin space between buildings. The Surgeon of Death steps into the gloom, beyond the view of the average street walker. He wants privacy, too, just like the scumbag with his arm around Nami, but for a very different reason.

   “Shambles,” he says, voice grim as he twists his fingers.

   Nami vanishes from within the man’s arms, getting swapped with the joint Law still held. Law catches her against his chest, holding her steady and close as he believes her legs are likely to come out from under her. Golden, furious eyes stay focused on the man who is now bewildered by the fact that his prize has vanished. His eyes meet Law’s and there is shock there, and perhaps a little fear. The guy shifts on his feet, and whether his intent was to run or fight, it does not matter because Law raises a finger, and now he’s floating a meter off the ground.

   “You’re not going anywhere,” the surgeon snarls, threat clear in his voice, but then his focus turns to Nami and all that aggression just leaves his smooth voice. “I’m here Nami. You’ll be alright. Now, I’m gonna lean you against the wall and let you go but I’ll be right back. Do not go to sleep.”

   He does just as he says, gently placing Nami against the brick wall beside him. He can’t see her face, not in this gloom, but his mind isn’t quite on diagnosis right now. It’s on vengeance, on causing pain. He does take a moment to trail comforting fingers on Nami’s cheek before his hands pull away from her. He turns to the floating piece of shit and in an instant, those hands are no longer gentle. Trafalgar Law isn’t the healer right now. He is the Surgeon of Death.

   ‘‘Now then,” he says, making a gesture to turn the floating man towards him.

   Golden eyes run over the pathetic excuse for a person and dimly, somewhere in the back of his mind, Law notes he has a similar aesthetic to himself. Somehow, that just makes him angrier. His fingers claw, and he brings his hand to the man’s chest, just above his heart.

   “How much suffering do I think you deserve?” he hums, just before he plunges his hand into the guy’s chest and wraps his fingers around his heart.

[marklipinski]

ARTspiration

Artists or art that turns me on and feeds my soul.  This piece is called FIRST CLASS by James Rieck, painted in 2016.  It’s 84″x60″ oil on canvas and its current price is $24,500

  YOKE DU YOUR

A father buys a lie detector that makes a loud beep whenever somebody lies around it. The son comes home in the afternoon. Father asks him, “So, you were at school today, right?”

Son: “Yeah.”

Detector: “Beep.“

Son: “OK, OK, I went to a movie.”

Detector: “Beep.”

Son: “Alright, I was drinking beer with my friends.”

Father: “What?! At your age, I wouldn’t touch alcohol!“

Detector: “Beep.”

Mother laughs: “Ha ha ha, well, he really is your son!”

Detector: “Beep.”

DESIGNspiration

Look around you. Design is everywhere! How can you incorporate the beauty that surrounds you into your art or craft?




IDEA I LOVE

I LOVE this folded felt bag.  When Jodie and I were filming Quilt Out Loud, we shot an episode from Brooklyn General Store in, of course, Brooklyn. They had an amazing selection of heavy felt and I’m sorry, to this day, that I didn’t buy some while I was there.  Here’s the tutorial for making this Fold Up Felt Bag (which I think is perfect for holding craft supplies):

http://www.instructables.com/id/Fold-up-Felt-Bag/?ALLSTEPS

EMBROIDERYspiration! 

Who doesn’t long for “Home Sweet Home” (especially when everything seems to be utter chaos)?   Settle in and embroider this easy and colorful pillow.  It’s the next best thing (or in my case, even better than) ever going back to Mayer Drive! :)   Here’s the tutorial:

http://www.homedit.com/embroidered-throw-pillow/

YUMMY DISH!

Thai Beef Stew with Lemongrass and Noodles

Ingredients

lemongrass stalks

garlic

kaffir lime leaves

chopped peeled ginger

Thai chiles

boneless beef chuck

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

vegetable oil

star anise pods

cinnamon stick

reduced-sodium soy sauce

fish sauce (such as nam pla or nuoc nam)

light brown sugar

unsweetened coconut flakes

shallots

carrots

scallions

wide rice noodles

Lime wedges

FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE  http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/thai-beef-stew-lemongrass-noodles

  IDEA I LOVE

I’m kinda hoping that using this skin-loving, winter-hating coconut oil lotion bar won’t eat away your nail polish … I’m also hoping that the manicure above isn’t a new trendy fashion statement.  If the cold winds has your skin stinging and singing “How Dry I Am” then you might want to whip up a few lotion bars for yourself (wear gloves?!?).   Here’s how:

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Coconut-Oil-Lotion-Bar

BREATHLESS INSPIRATION 

Needlepoint artist, Ulla Stina Wikander of Sweeden, transforms old items and transforms them into needlepoint art by covering them in gorgeous needlepointed designs.  Take a look.  For more, here is a link t0 her website:  http://www.usw.se/konst/index.htm

SO DRINK, CHUG-A-LUG CHUG-A-LUG

WILLIAM FAULKNER’S HOT TODDY RECIPE

Faulkner’s niece gives directions for making his version of this hot wintry cocktail.

“Pappy alone decided when a Hot Toddy was needed, and he administered it to his patient with the best bedside manner of a country doctor. 

He prepared it in the kitchen in the following way: Take one heavy glass tumbler. Fill approximately half full with Heaven Hill bourbon (the Jack Daniel’s was reserved for Pappy’s ailments). Add one tablespoon of sugar. Squeeze 1/2 lemon and drop into glass. Stir until sugar dissolves. Fill glass with boiling water. Serve with potholder to protect patient’s hands from the hot glass.” 

Pappy always made a small ceremony out of serving his Hot Toddy, bringing it upstairs on a silver tray and admonishing his patient to drink it quickly, before it cooled off. It never failed.

Ingredients

Bourbon

Sugar

Lemon

Boiling Water

For original resource, CLICK http://literaryman.com/2012/09/25/faulkners-hot-toddy-cures-everything/

IDEA I LOVE

Sorry, you’re going to have to live with the bags under your eyes and crow’s feet that can hold a 3-day rain.  But if you want to get rid of wrinkled clothing without ironing, try this simple DIY Wrinkle Release Spray.  Here’s how:

http://www.popsugar.com.au/smart-living/DIY-Wrinkle-Release-Spray-42366839

WORDS TO LIVE BY

   IDEA I LOVE

Gather your indigo blues and make a patchwork clutch with sashiko!  Look, I know what traditional sashiko is.  I think I might up the ante of this generous tutorial and start mixing different colored threads, and even fabrics to make this project “my own.”  Start here for wonderous inspiration and for the tutorial:

http://www.lindseycrafterblog.com/2017/01/make-patchwork-clutch-with-sashiko.html]

MAN CAN LIVE BY BREAD ALONE!

MARZIPAN TWIST SWEET BREAD

  Ingredients:

Dough: milk sugar yeast flour salt butter lemon egg

Filling: almonds eggs sugar water almond extract

Glaze: powdered sugar, sifted emon juice water 

For the full recipe CLICK HERE:  https://cookiescakespiesohmy.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/dscn06802.jpg

MEMBA?

Formica kitchen tables . . .

And now a word  . . .

Now that the weather is cool, I’m heading back upstairs to continue clearing out my studio.  Get first dibs on all of my eBay listings when you follow the  Pickle Road Stash Busting page on Facebook!  Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PickleRoadStashBusting/

I also started a YouTube page and will, eventually be doing some live broadcasts and probably a few online classes there.  I will be uploading all of the Facebook Live videos to my channel first (and adding retroactive links to this blog).  I already have some uploaded and am working backward — hopefully, I can organize them later. Then, I’ll think about creating and adding original content.  Please subscribe to my channel, here:   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeWRvfCwPVqbXXvphw6bsVg

If you missed the last Facebook LIVE, you can watch it here…

If you’d like me to address anything, comment or answer any specific questions on my live feed, please just email me and I’ll get right to it.  Email me at pickleroadstudios@me.com

COOKIES!

BUTTERMILK COOKIES

Ingredients

For cookies

all-purpose flour

grated lemon zest

baking soda

salt

unsalted butter

granulated sugar

eggs

pure vanilla extract

buttermilk

For glaze

confectioners sugar

buttermilk

pure vanilla extract

FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE  http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/buttermilk-cookies-241199

LOL

JUST BECAUSE, I SWOON 

This is a superb and early example of the brilliant Marimekko textiles that were made into simple clothing that went with the Marimekko lifestyle brand. The Marimekko company was founded in 1951 by Armi and Viljo Ratia and they quickly became known for making pieces of boldly printed fabric. The label on this dress dates it to the late 1960s and it is very unusual and striking in its cut. It is cut slim through the shoulders and then expands with a massive amount of volume from there. The sleeves mimic this with a narrow shoulder and then end in a wide cut sleeve. Both the hem of the dress and the sleeves are cut in gentle curves with the front portions of each significantly shorter then the back. The effect if these giant curves against the sharp angular print is genius. It is an amazing piece of fashion history. $625.00

IDEA I LOVE!  CROCHETspiration

This is called the OH MY crocheted blanket.  What a pretty stitch and the colors take me away from snowy Pickle Road to the beaches of San Juan, one of my favorite getaway places.

FOR THE FREE PATTERN, CLICK ON THE LINK:   http://www.mooglyblog.com/oh-my-blanket/

  BE DAZZLED!

  Chaumet Hortensia ring in pink gold, set with rubies, pink sapphires, diamonds, red tourmaline drops and an 8.6ct round faceted pink tourmaline in the centre.

PATCHWORK, BABY!  QUILTspiration!

WINGIN’ IT QUILT

Adapted from a Quilt Designed by Sandra Clemons for McCall’s Quilting

This free queen size quilt pattern is super easy and fast to piece! The Diamond Panes quilt blocks go together quickly and give an illusion of sashing when set together. Don’t miss the Wingin’ It lap quilt pattern in the McCall’s Quick Quilts issue

Download the FREE Wingin’ It queen size quilt pattern.

SHOEspiration

Don’t judge . . .

  IDEA I LOVE! VALENTINEspiration

Just about 4 weeks until Valentine’s Day. That means you have enough time to have this ‘Encircled Love’ mini-quilt table topper pieced and then actually quilted by Valentine’s Day 2037.  Here’s the tutorial:

http://kittensandthreads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/EncircledLoveMiniQuiltPattern.p

IDEA I LOVE!  KNITspiration!

LOVE this KNITTED afghan worked in the Slip Stitch. The waffle weave it creates is perfect for the men in your life. The color choices here are terrific, too. No, we don’t need another Granny Square and/or Clam Shell stitched blanket, but thanks for asking.  Here’s the PDF pattern:

https://www.michaels.com/on/demandware.static/Sites-Site/Sites-siteCatalog_michaels_US/default/v1411505193064/project_pdf/54711_revised.pdf

GARDENspiration

This little fairy cup garden is super cute and easy to take care of (that is, if you’re not packing it with orchids).  It’s also an amazing little gift for a hostess, a sick friend, birthday surprise, or a just because I’m thinking of you.  Here’s how to make one:

http://www.thecraftaholicwitch.com/2016/08/20/create-a-cute-cup-garden/

MUST HAVE

Are there words for this? Are there?  Words?

Well, I don’t care. I don’t even have a cat and I want this handicat kitty finger puppet.  And it’s on sale.  Get yours here:

http://www.perpetualkid.com/handicat-kitty-finger-puppet/

IDEA I LOVE!

So you’ve spent a crap-load of dough on making a new quilt, to match your room.  Why not use your scraps to cover your switch plate for a total custom look?  All of your friends will be green with envy and begging you for the name of your decorator.   Start here:

http://tidymom.net/2010/fabric-covered-switch-plate-tutorial/

IDEA I LOVE

This DIY Coiled Rope Tassel Bowl would be great for holding all of your crochet hooks, rug-making hooks, spools of threads, notions or small rulers. Filling anything with ‘power bars’ is so foreign to me that it confused me. I mean, when you’re on a diet, don’t you eat all of them at one time?   Here’s how to make a rope bowl so you can put what you want in it:

http://fallfordiy.com/blog/2017/01/06/diy-coiled-rope-tassel-bowl/

IDEA I LOVE

Move your weave so you can hear me!  THIS PROJECT LOOKS LIKE HUGE FUN. Here’s how to make your own DIY woven scarf without a loom!  It’s like magic.  Here’s where you start:

http://www.hefty.co/dyi-woven-scarf/

DESSERT!

CLASSIC LEMON MERINGUE PIE

January 23, 2017 is National Pie Day

Ingredients

all-purpose flour

salt

shortening

cold water

FILLING:

sugar

cornstarch

all-purpose flour

salt

water

egg yolks

butter

grated lemon peel

lemon juice

MERINGUE:

sugar

cornstarch

cold water

egg whites

vanilla extract

FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE  http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/classic-lemon-meringue-pie

IDEA I LOVE

The first time I saw a truly remarkable piece of Mexican yarn art was in the design studio of Karen Kay Buckley (I hope I’m remembering correctly).  I remember thinking then, “I wonder how they did that?”   This piece is super easy, elementary, and fairly uninspired, but, Oh cupcakes, imagine learning the technique then soaring with your own creative interpretation.  Learn the fundies here:

http://www.zombieswearinghelmets.com/2011/06/paint-with-yarn.html

 IDEA I LOVE

Judging from what I’ve been seeing online, it seems like avocados are the new trendy thang. I have to be honest, I would NEVER paint on a new shirt (unless I found it super cheap and then 75% off) but I would get a second-hand store blouse or shirt to customize.   Why look like everybody else?  Do your own Project Runway unique design challenge. Start with painting and changing buttons here:

http://studiodiy.com/2017/01/12/diy-avocado-buttons/

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD

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I LOVE this blog and think you will, too! Check it out:  https://marklipinskisblog.wordpress.com

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT

PLUS . . . Recipes, Videos, Inspiration, Creativity, Ideas, and More!   ARTspiration Artists or art that turns me on and feeds my soul.  This piece is called FIRST CLASS by James Rieck, painted in 2016.