Another post...

  Also, shortly after getting my flat, I lost my smartphone (an old Galaxy S2 Epic)... I am working on replacing it now the wedding is over with.

Married Life

  Well as if I didn't post not often enough as it was, I have my (our) own apartment with no wifi!!! Complete with fireplace, 1 bedroom (with a king sized crammed in), antique loveseat & chair, my black cat, and a crap tonne of house plants (house warming present from my loving mother)...
  That and I went and finally married my other half.. sucks though is that we both are going back to work now. We have spent most of the Honeymoon doing married people things, cleaning, cooking, unpacking, and playing videogames (she had never played Kingdom Hearts until now and I have been playing Battle for Middle Earth). Lots of fun! :^D

 

Picnic in the cemetary

  Had some fun with Hannah today. Went to the farmer's market and had another picnic. We went to the Fulton St cemetary again. We like visiting all the local resting plots you see.
Her friend also made me a Rainbow Dash vinyl cut out, which I stuck on the car. She and her husband own and operate a vinyl cutting business. Pretty cool stuff.
  Also getting more into cigars. Tried a Cuban Reject Torpedo and a Punch. Both were very good. I bought an Obsidian, Diesel, & a Cuban Reject Churchill to try this next week.
  I work a ten hour shift tomorrow closing, then I open the next day. Goodnight.
--Nathan--

Everyday is exactly the same.

  One and a half hours to go with work for the day.. Goodness it is kicking my butt today. Trying to keep chipper.
  Was talking to the store manager today and he complimented me on my moustache again. Also found out that he likes ren-faires. Pretty cool guy when he isn't punched in.
  Smoked my second Cigar yesterday. A "Red Witch - Robusta"... And she was a nasty witch at that. Good cigar, just to spicy for me at the moment.
  Gotta jet.
--Nathan--

Work, smart phones, & cigars..

  Well it is nearly August now. The wedding is nearly upon us, 98 more days. I am still full-time at Menard's. I bought a smart phone, my first one, a Samsung S II, from a friend. I like it.

  I became a part of a business, Life Leadership, which is a leadership development business. It is making Hannah and I have hope, that we have a purpose and a goal. Good stuff.

  Also, yesterday was my future father-in-law's birthday, so we got him some cigars. Naturally I bought some for myself as well. It was my first time smoking a cigar, and simply put, it was wonderful. I tried a Black Pearl, but I have a Red Witch & a Cuban Reject left.

  Alright, time to go to work.
Cheers!

P. S. I am also trying to stop swearing as well.

Summer is coming..

Well,
  It is June.. I am full-time at Mendard's now. I work a lot. I hardly see Hannah. I live with her parents. I am depressed, confused, and yet somewhat content (not living here, gracious no).
  We have been looking at apartments now that I got that raise, and there is some luck. I don't know why I bother to blog when all I do is use it as a diary (I have a hard time writing my thoughts down, but typing allows me to put them down at a closer speed than manually).
  Been taking on extra hours, also adjusting to the fact that working so much and seeing everyone I don't work with so little is what I will have to get used to the rest of my life. Maybe eventually I can return to the bliss of my childhood, where I had time for passions and hobbies, let alone time to read for pleasure..
  Also, I like this song.. And agree that it'd make for a neat cover if Switchblade Symphony came back from the dead.

P.S. The wedding is also looming, I don't know what to feel towards it as even I am doubting that is will happen without outside intervention from God, which I know He is blessing us, but still.. W/e right?

My Saturday Night Off 04/26/2014

  Well my night off, (I open Saturday's then work 2nd shift on Sunday) and I am trying to figure life out as usual, trusting in God and feeling empty.
  Hannah started construction of some fairy wings for her Senior pictures, using cellophane, glue, and poster board. Seems to be going well, she is going for a luna-moth influenced type of fairy.
  I love costumes, such fun, to pretend to not have any worries.

Sewwing

Where to begin? Sad, depressed, stressed, and feeling hopeless as I usually do...
  Well I have been back in Michigan for some time now and I've been working at Menard's since early February and I have become employee of the week twice now (only once a month you are allowed and then it is placed in a drawing for the month), and being out of 280+ people I think that is pretty good. They pay well and are a great place to work for... It just isn't enough to live on at the moment..

  Needless to say I am working all the hours I can and am trying to fix my car/save up for a new one, plus just save money.. I'm also looking at different jobs because with the wedding and all we will need a little bit more to live off of.

  I'm sad and find trouble wanting to continue, my fiance knows this, and so does God, but why does that not help?

  Oh, and I'm sewing more shtuff onto my denim jacket. I made a "Ministry" patch and am currently attaching pop-tabs.. Ee'Yup.

A charcoal suit.

First Charcoal Gray Suit.

(Also, What I'm Wearing Today...)

  Wow, I finally own one after looking in thrift stores for the past 10 months, I found it at a Goodwill 2 days ago. It's a 2 button, Hill and Archer with pleated trousers that were much to long. It is striped with red, blue, and a teal/green alternating. I usually don't like fabric patterned that way, however it is growing on me with this suit.
  Single vent, the jacket was measured at a 40L which is roughly my size and fits surprisingly well.
Since the trousers were to long and it is pleated I added a cuff after setting the hem at a half break.

 Wearing my blue Brooks Brothers shirt I found for $2 and tailored to my torso.

(Ignore the unkempt facial hair please)

Not the best picture but I'm working with what I can here,
I took the legs in on each side to slim it and then cuffed,

 I'm very please with the outcome.

  So the lapel is a little wider than I like but it works very well with the suit, and also the pants have higher rise so they ride at my waist like I prefer. Overall, a excellent $12 suit.
--Nathan--

P.S. Enjoy the song, all rights to Peter Murphy, RCA, and Beggar's Banquet Records.

Controversial Fashion: Gothic Cowboy/Western fashion.

Spooky Duds.

  Well I'm not posting pictures of what I'm wearing today because quite frankly I feel under dressed. Just a button up work shirt (Red plaid Izod from thrift store) and the Cords I was wearing yesterday with a bolo tie, which is black leather with a gunmetal arrowhead as the clasp.
  Well this brings up something I have always enjoyed, western wear & gothic fashion, which quite frankly sounds like an oxymoron. However, I say nay to that notion! It is quite possible! Hell, the band Fields of the Nephilim! (and even Voltaire's clothing the past several years)
  With SteamPunk and movies like Van Helsing (yes, Europe, not American, but the way he dresses), the Wild Wild West, the Prestige, the Lone Ranger reboot, etc... the Alt. Crowd has plenty of coverage for these kind of things.
  There seems to be plenty of potential for Dark Western, Silver, Black Leather, pointy boots are already readily available because of equine showing, 4-H, etc..  Black Felt or Leather cowboy hats are common, trenchcoats were normal on the frontier 150 years ago, Leather vests have been shown on many characters on "Old Westerns" (not that 1950-1960's television is historically sound... But you know), and studded and metal adorned belts a plenty..
  Thanks to Día de Muertos and Central (& South) America's lack of fear and embrace of death and Catholicism there is much to choose from and pick out. Imagine if you would a Union Cavalierly uniform done up in Black and Silver instead of that Blue and Gold (remember if you will Dr Loveless from "Wild, Wild West" and his spidery themes)..

From: Doctor Arliss Loveless

  Lastly with the amount of recent interest in "hippy" or "Hipster" clothing, Native American clothing, designs, and jewelry are becoming easier to find. (granted pow-wows and DIY are probably the best options)

Here is some music to keep us going,
 some Johnny Cash:

 

Getting on with it.

The Clothing

  For footwear you have options as in: Oxfords, winkle pickers, Cowboy boots (Black Leather obviously, but metal endorsed, skeleton/indian/mayan/spanish embossments, etc..), and even Moccasins are a comfortable option (moccasin and Ghillie Brogues are really fun & comfy to wear!).
  Unfortunately combat boots or platforms won't really cut it here, however thankfully most western boots add an inch or two in the heels.

  Shirts can range from traditional button ups to more period button on collar/cuff shirts in solids of Burgundy, White, Gray, Blacks and patterns like Paisley, plaid, & stripes.
(Buttons from mother of pearl, horn, wood, metal, or tortoise shell would be period)
  Flannel plaid shirts may not be very period but they sure do look it, try to find something in grays, blacks, reds, cyan, or purple.
  If you have a union suit (full body thermal underwear, traditionally in bright red) dying it a darker red or black would be striking then ripping it up, adding patches and then wear with just pants, shoes, and suspenders.
  Don't forget that the US used many a immigrant worker on the railroad so even "Mandarin" collars or oriental themed clothing can be appropriate.
  For the girls blouses ruffled and plain are always appropriate, or just skip one all together and just wear only your bodice or corset! Dresses and jumpers would be just as period though.
(Native American Body paint is always a good substitute for torso coverings for either sex if you're clubbing)

  Pants could be whatever you want really, Jeans, Black (or gray) Jeans, Leather pants, Slacks, matching suit pants, or just chaps (chaps leave certain areas... "exposed") for you fetish wearers.
For the lady folk we have in addition to the above skirts,dresses, Petticoats, just a bustle, tights, w/e!

  Vests, Corsets, or Bodices: There are always leather, lots of leather! So much leather. And Corduroy vests! Yes corduroy! Wonderful corduroy! Not just vests too, overalls, & straightjackets as well! "Yes, a corduroy straightjacket, buckle me up boys and take me back to my cell!"

... Um, yes, getting carried away here aren't I?

Headwear: There are many options, always the classic "cowboy" hat made from traditional felt, straw, or even leather. Bandanas or Sombreros do in a pinch too!
  There are feathered hats & boas for the ladies and showgirls (or drag dressers, woot-woot!). As for those with an Asian flair don't forget that the "Sedge hat" (conical pointed hat) was very commonplace during the Wild West days.
  Thrift stores are always the best place to find hats though (Imnshho), as they will be cheaper and can be already worn out, plus more options to choose from.
(Frankly the thrift store is the best option for your clothes in general, but around here, you see more hats used than new in stores)

 

Look at this nice one from lafuente,
now imagine instead of little pompoms hanging
around it, instead Bats, Skulls, or Pumpkins!
Photo from:
lafuente.com/Mexican-Decor/Mexican-Sombreros

 

Who can say "No" to a black Stetson??
 From:StetsonHat.com

Jackets & OuterWear: There are trench coats, fringed coats, frock coats, tail coats, shawls, overcoats, ponchos (with skull and bat designs no less!), etc..
  Don't forget to adorn them with Union Soldier medals, Silver stars (Kidding!), or trophies from past bounties (you know, locks of hair, pieces of cloths, pulled teeth, etc..).

Fringed Biker Jacket? I'm sure Johnny Cash would approve of this.
Found: Ebay.com/itm/Mens-Black
(Bit pricey for my tastes and I don't know about the brand,

 but I'm just using these pictures as examples)

  Neckware, glasses, misc..: Bandanas are multifunctional here, holds your hair back, looks snappy tied around your neck, keeps sand out of mouth or nose, AND masks identity when robbing trains or wagons!
  Puff ties, ascots, or cravats are all appropriately period choices, along with the more modern Bolo Tie..
  Usually a Leather cord with a metal clasp shaped in geometric designs, framing a stone, shaped into a native design, or even bones and precious metals.
  Woman could have ribbons, chokers (the ones made out of velvet are more what I mean), or rosaries (both sexes).

Gentleman's Emporium is also a good resource with their western line of  clothing.

So let me know your thoughts, if you want me to add something, or have any useful links to share.
--Nathan--

What I'm wearing and Listening today.

The Damned

  Well, the past couple days I've been picking out songs that I'd like to be played at our wedding reception and obviously, there is Gothic rock songs mixed in there (not to dominant, but a fair amount).. That started me on another the Damned kick after I was considering New Rose..
  So enjoy this whilst you look at my threads for today:

The Damned: Smash it up (part 1 & 2)

As for the other point of this post, what am I wearing today?

Poor lighting again, sorry about that.

I really like the design on this tie.

Shirt: Red Gingham check "American Eagle" button up, hand me down from father.
Sweater vest: Brown, Orange, & Chalk Argyle "Bargome New York", Hand me down from friend.

Tie: Black w/ Paisley & Floral print from thrift store.

Belt: Brown Leather double buckle from Aeropostle for a Sweeney Todd costume 6 years ago.

Pants: Low cut Brown Corduroy boot cuts, "Levi" from Salvation Army.
Socks: Plain Brown Timberlake socks.

  As an additional note, I really Love corduroy, the look of it, the feel of it, the atmosphere it lends! My first suit is this gorgeous Olive Green 3-Piece that I got for $10 dollars from a thrift store, all it needed was un-hemming of the pants 2"...
  Goodness I enjoy that suit; I will wear it upon my return to Michigan and show it off to you Freaky Darlings (why yes I like the League of Extraordinary Gentleman).
--Nathan--

New Post type.

 What I'm wearing today.

  Alright, I've really been enjoying seeing this kind of thing done on other blogs so I've decided to try and do something like this myself, not everyday, but the days I can I will take pictures. I'm not try to "copy" or steal someone else's thing, but to be frank, I really enjoy it when other people do so that is why I am doing such. Also as I personally don't have a digital camera I may be limited upon my return to Michigan.

  Without further ado here is my garb for today:

Close up of upper torso

Knitted Blue Argyle, I really like these socks.

Hat: Charcoal Gray Driving cap from "Walmart"

Shirt: Blue gingham check casual button up w/button down collars, "Old Navy" from "Goodwill"

2nd Shirt: Gray Henley from "Salvation Army"
Blazer: "Boston Trader", 100% wool black blazer from thrift store
Pocket Square: Puff folded from "Walmart"

Pants: Hand me down from friend
Belt: Black Leather from "Walmart"
Pocket Watch: Faux pocket watch from Xmas clearance at "CVS Pharmacy" of all places
Socks: Knitted Blue Argyle from "Salvation Army"

Read all about it! MICHIGAN ANNEXED INTO HOTH SOLAR SYSTEM!! Extra!

Read all about it!

 

  Well here I am hearing about all this drastic weather going on up north and I am down here in Florida enjoying a high of 56... Is that wrong? It is quite nice actually, I enjoy cool weather but I want to be up north with all the blistering winds (-40 in Grand Rapids I'm told) and driving snow.. *sigh*


  Regardless, went to return some Tea Tree oil I didn't need today, as I've been trying to remove the henna dye from my hair, which I've been doing since march... Problem is, it is rather difficult and slimy to do with out damaging your hair, and I have very weak hair (Which I'm trying to grow out). The way to do it is to soak your hair in an oil mix repetitively until it's out. Tea Tree oil makes Henna darker and more permanent so glad I verified before adding.

  After that I went to the hospice store to thrift around and made out pretty good..
A light blue Guayabera I've been eying for a bit, a similar shaded light blue Lacoste Cardigan Sweater, some black Wolverine boots in my size for two bucks, and some scarves for the misses upon my return.

 "GASP! Pastel blue snooty booty clothing!?!? Egads! This man is nuts!"

  Yeah, yeah, I know, I don't wear Steampunk, victorian, or goth clothes ALL the time. I like dressing up and wearing good quality clothings (Okay, not going to lie, if it wasn't the price and a colour for the spring I would not be caught dead wearing a Lacoste.. I'm not into brands you know).

 

Semi blurry picture of cardigan.

 (Yes buttons are on woman's side.. Do I care?)

--Nathan--

 Yes I know this pic is of Chicago, not Michigan. Still gets my point across.

Photo source: Click photos, they are links.

P.S. What the Heck is this "Nu Goth" thing?!? According to what I find, my fashion and music can be called as such... And since I've been dressing that way for years I must be a "Hipster" too... oh wait, that is where the term is coming from.. What in the world is this nonsense??!?!

What to do?

What to do?

 Discovering the point of this blog.

  Well what can I say? I'm an unreliable blogger, I just have a hard time doing it, so I need to have a point of this blog again.
  It will be of several things, I like dressing up or being sharp... I also like Goth, Steampunk, post-apocalyptic fashion, and costumes!!  Thankfully all of my aesthetic tastes can be procured at thrift stores or being handy at needle & thread.
  I also have similar varied tastes in music: Swing, Ska, Jazz, Classical, Rockabilly, grunge, heavy rock, contemporary Christian music, Christian rock, light rock, Nu-Metal, power metal, industrial, industrial metal, EBM in general, electronica, funk, medieval, folk, older country music, gothic rock, etc..
  So yeah, this blog will be about all of these things, my art, my faith, my musical talents, where I live, work, make, sew, find in thrift stores, etc... And also geeky things, can't forget that!

Also, enjoy this:

Keep doing your thing,
--Nathan--

Video Link Source: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UbGtjnluyY

P.S. I'm getting engaged to my soulmate Hannah soon and our wedding is this upcoming Halloween.