fanciful devices: 3 more

A Stone Is Nobody's

A man ambushed a stone. Caught it.
Made it a prisoner.
Put it in a dark room and stood guard over it for the rest of his life.

His mother asked why.

He said, because it's held captive, because it is captured.

Look, the stone is asleep, she said, it does not know whether it's in a garden or not. Eternity and the stone
are mother and daughter; it is you who are getting old. The stone is only sleeping.

But I caught it, mother, it is mine by conquest, he said.

A stone is nobody's, not even its own. It is you who are conquered; you are minding the prisoner, which is yourself,
because you are afraid to go out, she said.

Yes yes, I am afraid, because you have never loved me, he said.

Which is true, because you have always been to me as the stone is to you, she said.

Russell Edson

FAQs

1. Are you a Southeast Asian dancing girl from the 1800s?

No, sorry to disappoint. My avatar and banner images are from an ancient book I found in the depths of my grandmother's cabinets. More on that here.

2. How do you make everything look so old?

First, you need a good oxidizer to brush on every bit of metal you can reach. I'll tell you all about it here.

Then there's this wax. I first mentioned it here. You'll have to scroll down a lot.

3. How can you be so productive?

I'm insanely obsessed and I have no offspring. I do nothing else- I don't have a day job, I don't clean my house or cook, I spend all day in pjs, often completely abandoning personal hygiene... I only interact with other humans when I walk my dog. And I like people! But I prefer dogs.

And I'm sloppy- but I make that sloppiness work for me.

4. Any tips you'd like to share?

No! Except for these 16 posts about techniques and this one about how to find your aesthetic.

5. Would you be offended if I took some inspiration from your designs?

Well, I'd be happier if you outright copied them.

No really, imitation is how we learn. I have enough ideas to go around. And even if I don't- please. No one's going to do this obsessively enough to threaten my business. (Probably.) I learned by copying others and I've seen others copy me as a step toward developing their own voice. So feel free. (I'd love if you tossed me a link in my comments, so I can feel like a proud momma.)

6. What do you look like?

Why, what have you heard? Really? Wow.

lumière by BeadsBaublesNBangles
Sentimental Heart... pom mobile

Custom Bride and Groom Moon Buns - Amigurumi Bunny Rabbits

hooner MAC in white. fullgive leather belt

Graphite Ombre Bobby Pins - FREE shipping

12 Organic Crocheted Beads Shades of Beige

1 Custom Engraved Message Stone Personalized

Pitcher of Spindles - 8x8 Fine Art Photography Print

Crystal Lantern Earrings, Mystic White Crystal Rondelles Freshwater Pearls Sterling Silver

Natural Genuine Baltic Sea Driftwood - Light Gray Brown - M

Patchwork Quilt square pint soap or lotion dispenser

featuring:

Back To SCHOOL!!! by ljbe
Ruler Notebook

60s Vintage Fisher Price Wooden Pull Toy School Bus

Sandwich and Snack Bag Set - Urban Hipster Swedish Print

Unique Dry Erase Board Decal - Wall Calendar - Vinyl Wall Sticker

Crayon Roll Wallet Travel Art Center Tote with Butterflies and Pink Polka dots for Girls

Robot Black Dance Machine Future Style Schematic Messenger / Field Bag Olive Green

PB and J Sandwich 18x18 inch original oil painting by Roz

Set of Two 4x6 Fine Art Photographs- Antique Scissors

Wee Bee Zippered Pouch. Pencil Case. EpiPen Carrier.

Mini Goals Chalkboards - Old School - Foamy/Mossy

Green Martini Glass Magnetic Clock by Spirit Lala

featuring:
Sale. Schoolhouse. Found Artifact Necklace.

When did this one become so damn popular? I have it on sale for EVELEN flippin' bucks! It must be one of those things people like to look at but not necessarily wear.
autumn colors by beadsnbones
Bright, Colorful, Unique - Handmade Stationery, Set of Ten