Dispatch no. 39 - Updates Podcast

The website Guru Gossip has a pretty good thread about the Costume College issue --GG can be a little problematic as well, but overall I find the discourse to be thought-provoking and responsible. Mostly that CCs situation just further highlights the responsibility of costumers (and people in general ) regarding cultural appropriation, history, colonialism and other issues.

I'm in the same boat with my writing; I tried to read the DSM5 (do not recommend) so I could diagnose a character backstage and depict their symptoms accurately.

Looking forward to seeing more of the Whitby gown. Can't go wrong with black. I'm also about to get a large tattoo, and the excitement is real. I'm going to have to look into the saniderm, I always end up using cling film while they're healing, and it's such a faff.

"The Body Keeps the Score" is one of the most informative reads ever.

It's interesting you mentioned the book, The Body Keeps the Score. I first heard about it last year when a contemporary dancer friend of mine (who choreographs her projects and whose movements resemble bodily contortions in a curious and highly fluid way) told me about it. Belinda McGuire is her name. I collaborated with her a few years ago and, actually, creatively speaking, you strike me as having a similar vibe to her. It's always great to hear about the research you're doing for your projects and writing. I learn stuff!

Bianca, I thought of you today while I read an article about a married couple who are restoring an abandoned Victorian house in Syracuse, NY. Here’s the link, in case you might find it useful: https://www.businessinsider.com/home-renovation-greater-syracuse-land-bank-photos-2023-6

Are you aware of By Ilona Millinary on YouTube? She's dipping into silk flower making, so she might have some book recommendations for you.

Have you seen Stephanie Canada's video on the walk away dress? 🤣 Seamstressed also made one, I think from her sloper. I'm looking forward to a house cape. It sounds perfectly cozy. The audio was cut off before you were done talking, probably about 30 seconds based on previous podcasts. Yay new tattoo!

I always enjoy your talks, videos, all of it. I am excited to see what you do next.

Please ignore this if you know this already. Since you're a first time homebuyer I wanted to tell you a couple of things. You could get an FHA loan instead of a traditional mortgage which requires at least 20% down. You would have to pay PMI (principal mortgage insurance) but it would reduce the amount you need to put down. Please always get a home inspection before you close on any house, there could be things you can't see when walking through that the inspector will catch. Your realtor will probably have someone you can use. I imagine your parents have told you these things but I felt like had to tell you anyway.

On the note of Body Keeps the Score - I'd also highly recommend Complex PTSD by Pete Walker. It's less clinical focus and I did find it a much faster read. I read it for self-help purposes, not writing research, but I can attest for my experience with trauma at least it was spot on.

I live about 1 hour away from Whitby in North Yorkshire Bianca …. it’s such a beautiful place to visit … I love it there … can’t wait for your Whitby gown xxx

I don't generally comment often, but I just wanted to chime in and say that I have followed you religiously for a bit over 4 years, and I live my vintage/sci-fi/costuming/cat owning life precariously through you. You inspire me to keep improving my sewing skills and not seeing the first try as a failure of it turns out a bit frumpy. I was pretty good at pattern drafting already, but you inspired me to be more daring with my designs and your projects keep the inspiration flowing! I hope that we will soon get more of your writing - I still go back to listen to the one you shared and I just really love the language and world. Regarding house hunting: I don't know if it's the same in the US, but I'm Denmark you will generally see a surge in house listings in spring, because people want to sell the house while the gardens look good and before summer vacation. If you wait till autumn and winter, the selection will be smaller, but you will generally get a better deal. 🤷🏼‍♀️