tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46907842760697947342024-02-08T15:01:23.927-05:00A Thousand Cups of CoffeeAbigailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673513545201438290noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4690784276069794734.post-75145312877981764012015-08-17T14:12:00.004-04:002015-08-17T14:13:41.705-04:00Alfred<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://www.theodesign.com/alfred/alfred_banner.jpg" height="292" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just popping in to share a new comic project that I'm updating weekly. Happy reading!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thestoryofalfred.blogspot.com/">http://thestoryofalfred.blogspot.com</a></div>
Abigailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673513545201438290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4690784276069794734.post-45713454741019487282011-12-31T14:26:00.006-05:002011-12-31T18:32:07.229-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.theodesign.com/coffee/week52.jpg" /></div><br />And that's it! You want the backstory?<br /><br />About a year ago I was looking for something to help give me a creative kickstart. I'd been more than a little infatuated with graphic novels for awhile -- reading <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780345496362"><span style="font-style:italic;">Flight</span></a> my last semester of design school made my head explode (in a good way). That said, I'd always hesitated at making my own comics. There were a myriad of excuses: I didn't understand the format, my storytelling experience was minimal, I lacked the time and I was, to be brutally honest, terrified to try (and fail) at a new form of art.<br /><br />My workaround was this: a diary comic would allow me to try sequential art in a small, bite-sized way. Also, by pulling material from my day to day life, the storytelling aspect would be a bit easier. Finally, by making the whole crazy thing a New Year's Resolution, the ensuing guilt would eat me alive if I didn't finish. If you think I'm lying about this, I should probably explain that I wake up in the middle of the night thinking about overdue book library fines.<br /><br />So I dove in head first January of 2011. Was every entry perfect? Nope. In fact, I look at quite a few now and wince, thinking how differently I'd tackle things. But each week I finished a comic and in the process learned more than I could have imagined, had a whole ton of fun and did something that a year ago wasn't even on my radar. And besides the artistic side of things, I also learned to look differently at life. Like John Lennon said, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." I didn't win the Powerball this year or learn Cantonese or take up hang gliding. Instead I spent the year worrying about the zombie apocalypse, eating glitter cookies, obsessing over life-sized plastic dinosaurs and and attempting to find humor and goodness in the little things. And as a I read back through this comic, I think I like life best that way.<br /><br />And some thank you's -- I owe <a href="http://www.evensencreative.com/">Erik Evensen</a> BIG TIME for his advice about diary comics. Erik kept a way awesome <a href="http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/erik-evensens-sketchbook-diary/725542">daily comic</a> a few years back, so he had some great pointers. And when I tweeted early on about my trouble coming up with material, <a href="http://johnlechner.com/">John Lechner</a> made the excellent observation that hopes and dreams are as much a part of daily life as actions. Also, thank you to friends and family who lended their faces, feedback and foibles to this comic. You guys all rock, for reals.<br /><br />So, thanks for reading and commenting and letting me test the comic waters. I'm hooked, without a doubt. Happy 2012!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.theodesign.com/coffee/theend.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(for now)</div>Abigailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673513545201438290noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4690784276069794734.post-421634862957357292011-12-27T16:41:00.002-05:002011-12-27T16:49:54.806-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.theodesign.com/coffee/week51.jpg" /></div><br />I'm visiting family for the holidays, but hauled along my tablet and laptop because I am <span style="font-style:italic;">way</span> too deep into this now to flake. Also, next year I'm bringing the Manhattan telephone book to sit on.<br /><br />Okay, one more to go!Abigailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673513545201438290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4690784276069794734.post-78723783766126716572011-12-17T19:49:00.002-05:002011-12-17T20:03:55.401-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.theodesign.com/coffee/week50.jpg" /></div><br />To be completely frank, I have absolutely no desire to know what this says about my subconscious. Not even a little.Abigailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673513545201438290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4690784276069794734.post-18576075449498933032011-12-10T16:04:00.004-05:002011-12-12T09:13:13.244-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.theodesign.com/coffee/week49.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This probably takes me up to about 950 cups of coffee so far. Give or take.</div>Abigailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673513545201438290noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4690784276069794734.post-72760908313024079192011-12-04T19:01:00.002-05:002011-12-04T19:32:10.817-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.theodesign.com/coffee/week48.jpg" /></div><div>"Alien" has never really creeped me out that much; I think I now know why. Also, I should probably specify that this was more a case of my parents going to see "Alien" with me in tow (sleeping), not them thinking, "Hey, I bet the baby wants to see Sigourney Weaver kick intergalactic behind!"</div><div><br /></div><div>And sorry about the lack of punctuality with these comics. Life's been busy as of late and finding random snippets of time is taking MacGyver-like levels of creativity. Also, occasionally I do like to sleep.</div>Abigailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673513545201438290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4690784276069794734.post-32146749126666113442011-11-28T17:25:00.000-05:002011-11-28T17:25:01.932-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.theodesign.com/coffee/week47.jpg" /></div><br />To err is human...Abigailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673513545201438290noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4690784276069794734.post-52753618002397908742011-11-18T11:25:00.003-05:002011-11-18T11:37:38.856-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.theodesign.com/coffee/week46.jpg" /></div><br />I'm ashamed to admit this, but in complete honesty, the free pizza really was the tipping point.Abigailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673513545201438290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4690784276069794734.post-26106118143408039202011-11-13T18:07:00.002-05:002011-11-13T18:29:05.806-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.theodesign.com/coffee/week45.jpg" /></div><br />Quite frankly, if I never hear another thing about a particular Hollywood socialite's failed marriage, it will be too soon.<br /><br />In light of that, the elderly couple sitting near me at the library was a poignant reminder of what love really looks like. The wife appeared to have had a stroke (based on her speech and movements) and the endless patience her husband possessed was incredibly moving. And since they'll never make the cover of a national magazine anytime soon, here's their 15 minutes.Abigailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673513545201438290noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4690784276069794734.post-66872620498155426912011-11-03T08:25:00.002-04:002011-11-03T08:31:30.209-04:00<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.theodesign.com/coffee/week44.jpg" /></div><br />If the <strike>shoe</strike> vest fits, wear it. That said, I'm not planning on sporting any Hello Kitty threads anytime soon.Abigailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673513545201438290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4690784276069794734.post-43856531839560270162011-10-24T14:51:00.002-04:002011-10-24T15:12:39.755-04:00<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.theodesign.com/coffee/week43.jpg" /></div><br /><div>The thoughts that keep me awake at night. Wide awake.</div>Abigailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673513545201438290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4690784276069794734.post-71352068041498021772011-10-17T14:12:00.004-04:002011-10-17T14:35:43.687-04:00<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.theodesign.com/coffee/week42.jpg" /></div><br />Friday night I went to see <a href="http://andrewbird.net/">Andrew Bird</a> play at the <a href="http://www.ccanh.com/">Capitol Center</a>. When he began "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjKpHnF_sRg">Tables and Chairs</a>," I may have started hyperventilating in the mezzanine, because that's my favorite song in the entire universe.<br /><br />Also, I had the pleasure of attending said concert with the terrifically talented Pixels and Pulp team -- if you're not familiar with their work, get a move <a href="http://www.pixelsandpulp.com/">on over here</a>.Abigailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673513545201438290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4690784276069794734.post-32443081994893357542011-10-14T10:31:00.001-04:002011-10-14T10:31:16.355-04:00<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.theodesign.com/coffee/week41.jpg" /></div><br />If you're within driving distance, the <a href="http://www.une.edu/artgallery/childrensbook.cfm">Children's Book Illustrator</a> show at the University of New England is phenomenal. And if you're in the vicinity, you might as well swing over to the <a href="http://www.mainebread.com/">Big Sky Bread Company</a> because they make apple turnovers that are kind of awesome.<br /><br />I just totaled up the weeks left in the year; only 12 to go! Also, I should probably figure out just how many cups of coffee I've drank up until this point.Abigailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673513545201438290noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4690784276069794734.post-20276050788208136392011-10-08T11:13:00.003-04:002011-10-08T11:30:52.378-04:00<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.theodesign.com/coffee/week40.jpg" /></div><br />I wish I could take credit for the "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJMYFEXte8A">Abigail, Belle of Kilronan</a>" remark above, but someone actually asked me that years ago. Since I typically get asked, "Abbie, like 'Dear Abby'?" the random Magnetic Fields reference was a welcome departure.Abigailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673513545201438290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4690784276069794734.post-65853243897475499572011-10-04T15:13:00.002-04:002011-10-04T15:39:38.966-04:00<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.theodesign.com/coffee/week39.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We also argued about a Winnebago nightlight, but I'll spare you the details on that one.</div>Abigailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673513545201438290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4690784276069794734.post-85881981889096550732011-10-03T12:26:00.003-04:002011-10-03T12:31:47.030-04:00<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.theodesign.com/coffee/week38.jpg" /></div><br />Spiderman has a certain ring to it, don't you think?Abigailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673513545201438290noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4690784276069794734.post-16450961335518906642011-09-18T21:12:00.002-04:002011-09-18T21:22:32.932-04:00<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.theodesign.com/coffee/week37.jpg" /></div><br />How awesome would it be to operate with the reckless (and yet simultaneously accurate) certitude of a migratory bird? Sign me up for that bit of evolutionary development.Abigailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673513545201438290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4690784276069794734.post-3823577136086039692011-09-14T00:06:00.002-04:002011-09-14T00:20:37.537-04:00<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.theodesign.com/coffee/week36.jpg" /></div><br />Anyone got a spare male sibling that they'd be willing to part with?Abigailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673513545201438290noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4690784276069794734.post-54753733351133232522011-09-04T13:31:00.001-04:002011-09-04T13:34:21.479-04:00<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.theodesign.com/coffee/week35.jpg" /></div>
<br />Guilty as charged.Abigailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673513545201438290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4690784276069794734.post-53310714468654321262011-08-27T16:12:00.002-04:002011-08-27T16:26:22.627-04:00<img src="http://www.theodesign.com/coffee/week34.jpg" />
<br />
<br />Two Things:
<br />
<br />1) If you haven't seen it, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R02gnYmDpU4">here's the trailer</a> for "The Tree of Life."
<br />
<br />2) In reference to the awesomeness of dinosaurs, I took <a href="http://www.theodesign.com/coffee/week34_ohare.jpg">this picture</a> in O'Hare a few years back. I almost missed my flight. But I got a flippin' sweet Brachiosaurus pic.
<br />Abigailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673513545201438290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4690784276069794734.post-35926706738404633982011-08-18T11:00:00.000-04:002011-08-18T23:12:58.802-04:00<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.theodesign.com/coffee/week33" /></div>
<br />Even Batman occasionally has to retire to the Batcave.Abigailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673513545201438290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4690784276069794734.post-34118268957641877962011-08-09T13:01:00.003-04:002011-08-11T23:18:06.526-04:00<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.theodesign.com/coffee/week32.jpg" /></div>I wasn't sure that kid was old enough to drive. Oy.Abigailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673513545201438290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4690784276069794734.post-51651219397585844962011-08-04T19:42:00.000-04:002011-08-04T19:42:00.178-04:00<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.theodesign.com/coffee/week31.jpg" /></div><br />Yesterday was trash pickup and before taking the garbage out, I randomly decided to go through the bag. After a gag-inducing 15 minutes, I found the ring at the bottom of the bag.Abigailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673513545201438290noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4690784276069794734.post-61173533986494398172011-08-03T13:04:00.000-04:002011-08-03T13:15:22.422-04:00<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.theodesign.com/coffee/week30.jpg" /></div><br />I have one more comic ready to go for, let's say, Friday-ish if the stars aline. At which point, I'll be caught up and won't have to hang my head in New Year's Resolution Failure Induced Shame any longer. Yes.Abigailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673513545201438290noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4690784276069794734.post-21276931465283403572011-07-26T21:03:00.000-04:002011-07-26T21:21:57.270-04:00<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.theodesign.com/coffee/week29.jpg" /></div><br />Randomly:<br /><br />My family is the only family I know that gives each other Exederin for Christmas.<br /><br />And despite having an Irish surname, I really do have <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Allerton">Mayflower street cred</a>. I just wish it was via someone with a better grasp on business ethics...Abigailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673513545201438290noreply@blogger.com4