I’ve always intended my newsletter to be interactive, so I was happy to get a great question from one reader...Thank you for your newsletters! I first read Boy Toy in 2010 and it's one of my favorite books ever! Ironic how society is quick to ban the book but still generally condones and excuses the issues it deals with. I thought about Josh's experiences with graduation, college, sports, and prom as I went through them too, and even ended up in Maryland as an adult. Any word on a sequel, or the companion book I heard about?
First of all, thank you so much for your kind words! And yes, we live in strange times, when people who lack the capacity to truly understand art somehow get to determine what belongs on a library shelf.All that aside, let’s get to the meat of your question: the sequel/companion book to Boy Toy.Let me ramble a little bit... When I was writing Boy Toy, it occurred to me that in order to write it properly, I had to know everything Eve was thinking and doing, even though the story was from Josh’s POV. And as I moved through the story, I realized that I knew what everyone in it was thinking and doing — Rachel, Zik, Mom, Dad... I could write the same story over and over, just from different POVs, uncovering new bits each time.I became, honestly, a little obsessed. While I was working on the book, I was deep into it, and really became enamored of the idea of telling the same story from six or seven different angles. It would be a massive undertaking.Truthfully, I still think of it now and then. But the fever mostly broke when I finished writing Boy Toy, though enough madness lingered that I really, really wanted to tell the story of Eve. Boy Toy’s Toy, I would title it, and it would be a savage look into the heart of a child molester.So...what happened?Two things happened. First, I was really burnt out when I finished Boy Toy. And second, well, another book came out on the same topic, around the same time as Boy Toy. An adult book, purporting to tell the teacher’s side of the story. And honestly, I didn’t think much of that book. It felt tawdry in a way I strove against in Boy Toy. And I became concerned that if I wrote my companion book, people would think I was ripping off this other book.Between that concern and the burn-out, my fire for the companion book was snuffed out, and now it lives only as a couple hundred words of a first chapter and then some notes on my hard drive.(This piece comes from my newsletter, which goes out monthly. For more stuff like this, and to get it first, sign up here!)
Read the full article
I have a question about the pentagrams. In 2x1 Alex says the drawings under Katie's bed are similar but in 2x3 when Wendy found the pentagrams Alex says theyre the same as the ones with Sebastian, Simon /and/ Katie. So do you think the pentagram under Katie's bed was the same or different? Do you think Katie is one of the children? I thought she wasn't but that comment made me rethink. Or am I just overthinking? (Also love your blog. I haven't been on it long bc it's night and I'm a sacredy cat)
Hey there! I do think that they are the same pentagram based on the descriptions. I also think Katie is one of the children, and she’s listed on the “Gifted Children” page.Thanks for writing!Warmly,
Hi! A couple of questions: what do you think is going on with Amalia and what do you think is going on with Alex's erratic sleep as this plotline been dropped in recent episodes after being really prominent for the first half of Season Two? Thanks!
Hey there! You know, I don’t really know. There are really several things that could be happening. It could be that Alex’s sleep schedule is so disrupted that she’s essentially sleepwalking and doing things on auto-pilot (like making recordings).It could be that Alex’s sleep schedule is being intentionally disrupted by outside forces– demonic or not.Where Amalia fits into it is a big ‘ol ??? for me. If it weren’t for the fact that Simon Reese somehow knew about Amalia, I’d say she’s probably a red herring for Alex’s insomnia-created bizarre behavior. But the fact that someone who doesn’t even KNOW Amalia pointedly asked about her and her activities in Russia makes me go HMMMM.Seems to me someone ought to be checking Amalia’s hairline for funny seams. You know, just in case.Thanks for the ask!Warmly,Chris
Do you know if there are drawings somewhere showing all the different symbols from the show? I'm having a hard time keeping track of all them without knowing what they look like. There's Tiamat's symbol, Thomas Warren/exorcism machine logo, the marking of Coralee's ring, the two dots above and line below symbol that looks like an upside face, just off the top of my head. Thanks!
Hi there! To the best of my knowledge (and someone please correct me if I’m wrong), there have not been visual guides posted by PNWS to show the various symbols used on the show.
To help you keep track, I added two new pages to the Index: Pentagrams and Demonic Symbols, and Upside-Down Faces and Face Wearing.
Regarding Tiamat’s symbol / Coralee’s ring / the Luciternica machines– that’s actually a legitimate source of confusion, and the show has given conflicting information about which symbols are which. Up until 2x11, I’d been working under the assumption that Coralee’s ring, the Luciternica machine symbol, and the symbol of Tiamat were all one in the same, but apparently there are at least two different symbols there, and how it all connects to the Pilori is… unclear.
So I updated the Cult of Tiamat page with transcript excerpts of the discussions of those symbols for those who are interested.
hey! so my friend and i were theorizing re: the advocate. considering the adversary is probably satan (the hebrew for adversary is "satan" after all), i dug a bit into the bible and found out that the archangel michael is known as "israel's advocate" or the advocate of the jewish people. so maybe, the advocate is actually a vessel for michael?
This is interesting. Also, in Judeo-Christian lore, the Holy Spirit is also sometimes called “The Advocate.”I’m interested if the show will go in this direction. So far, we’ve seen a mishmash of Sumerian/Babylonian, Judeo-Christian, Anasazi, and a few other belief systems. I don’t think it’s necessarily a foregone conclusion that The Adversary is Satan, specifically, although they very well might turn out to be some personification of evil. I’m super interested to see if “the Advocate” will end up being someone opposite The Adversary or if they are advocating FOR the Adversary.Thanks for dropping a line!– Christina
@lilcheeb said: hallo ^^ I was wondering if you had any tips on improving with watercolors? You're one of my biggest inspirations and the reason I picked up the gansai tambi 36 set also!! I also have the sakura koi and a bunch of Holbein tube paints if that'd effect your answer. thank you so much for your time! :]
Hi! Thank you, glad that I'm able to inspire you! And yay you won't regret the Gansai Tambi. It's a great starter set.
Definitely one of the best tips is to work with a limited palette, to reduce your focus from colors to actual tonal value. That helps with your spatial understanding, which in turn helps with composition, which in turn helps with making pieces that feel more satisfying and complete. :) try using only 2-3 colors at a time. When you get to know your colors really well by limiting their number, you become so confident that you don't hesitate when you paint anymore, you just do it automatically.
Another tip I have is to spend more time on composition than the details. It's fun to get lost in the tiny lines, but in the end, the way it's put together is what will make the biggest impact. Good luck! :)
Anonymous said: I want a free app that let's me create a life like image of a nude babe
WELP I WANT AN APP THAT MAKES BACON APPEAR WHEN I BLINK TWICE
stars-and-periwinkles said: Hey~ I'm a big kpop fan and I really wanna try dyeing my hair like my kpop idols. I've been all over the internet, trying to find tutorials and I just found out about your blog. I want to dye my hair dark pink but I'm too afraid to bleach it and I don't want to go to a salon. (I have virgin hair) Is it possible to dye my hair dark pink without bleaching? If so, what shade should I buy to get the color that I want? I want something like Irene's(Red Velvet member) hair for Happiness promotions.
Hi! Dark pink is actually a really forgiving color. However, if you have dark hair, like literally black, you won’t get much aside from a pink “sheen“ when sunlight or other direct light hits your hair. To get some semblance of color you really need to bleach at least once. Once bleached, you can try Cerise or Flamingo Pink for really strong, vibrant and forgiving pinks. Rose Red or Tulip also cover well if you want a warmer, darker color.
jinxholly said: Hey Jad, a few months ago I dyed my hair different shades of turquoise and blue, but my top blue layer has turned slightly green. Is there a way to get it back to bright blue without bleaching it?
Hi! Yes. Just put a diluted blue dye and conditioner mix over the green bits. It turned green because the blue has washed off, and replenishing the blue it should restore the color. Most people mix the remainder of their initial dye into some conditioner and top up their color every time they shower in order to maintain it.
Anonymous said: What are your thoughts about Deadpool [the movie]?
Gosh, I haven’t watched it. I think I was busy during the weeks it was showing. But if I end up finding a DVD of it i’ll edit this post with my review.
victoriaunso said: Hi ms. Jad can you pls suggest any brand of white conditioner for diluting semi permanent hair dyes? Im currently using the one from HBC but my tatay hates the way it smells.. Thank you!
I totally just use the cheapest conditioner I can find. Like I used to use Creamsilk Damage Repair conditioner but now I use Daily Defense Argan oil or Morroccan Oil which is P99 at Watson’s.
Anonymous said: Hi! I just discovered your amazing, informative blog. I was just wondering if you would consider doing a kuretake gansai tambi and peerless comparison? Pros and cons for each and how they work. I love watercolour myself and want to reach for either one of those but I don't know which is better. Thanks!
Hi! I already did a Peerless review and in that review I compared it to Sakura Koi which is also a more traditional type paint like the KGT. Personally I found the Peerless super interesting, but I always reach for my traditional paints. It really depends on your painting style, too. I like a more subdued look and the Peerless are MEGA BRIGHT LOL. So I mean if you like the opposite then the Peerless are really convenient and perfect for that style. They’re not lightfast though. I like my KGT better than the Peerless but it’s purely a matter of preference. I also mentioned in my review that the flat pieces of card were kind of hard to get used to because I expect paint to be sticky and in cake form. :D However I appreciate that I can bring them in my pocket with a waterbrush and that’s all I need to get started journaling in public.
yuhekalhello there .. I really loved your review on the KGT and Sakura watercolours .. aside question D: .. I want to buy a friend of mine the Sakura watercolours-she uses van gogh watercolours- .. so will it be good gift? another question-sorry :$ - .. which waterbrush is better? the Kuretake or the Pentel ? or the Sakura?
Hi! If she's used to Van Gogh she might not like the Sakura because they will be chalkier. But the KGT are buttery and creamy and will behave more like artist grade paints. Van Gogh is a high quality student grade so she will appreciate something closer to it. :) As for waterbrushes, I think the Pentel Aquash is slightly better quality, but I use the Kuretake and I like it just fine. So I think the difference might be marginal at best.:)
burningbridgesnotmemoriesHi. Between prang and sakura koi, which has a brighter/more luminous effect?
jadmontenegroPrang is more transparent, Sakura is more fluorescent. :) Both can be bright, but behave differently. Sakura Koi behaves more like inks.
burningbridgesnotmemoriesThank you. I just had my koi this week and it's amazing as everyone said. :) one problem though is that the palette was easily stained by the blue and yellow colors and I can't seem to wash it off even with soap. I'm a bit worried that I might see my color mixtures differently because of the stain underneath. Do you know of a way that I can rub them off?
You can try alcohol or nail polish remover? But really, staining is a common occurrence when you use a plastic palette... sort of unavoidable, really :( Mine is also stained like crazy so I use a small ceramic plate to do all my mixing in. Ceramic is the best surface for mixing.
jaleelyHi i'm looking at your hair timeline, working around the color wheel. I'm going to start dying pigments into my hair and this is an awesome results page!! Some of your pictures aren't showing though :( If it's not too much trouble, can you refresh it? Your information is sooo good and helpful!! I myself have bleached yellow/blonde underneith, faded red/brown, with blonde highlights, and brown roots. So i'm imagining a really interesting dye job! I was going to go with paul mitchell violet red, then pm color shots violet, and finally parvana violet, following this tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1kwKV1TVvM but i realized that doing this may result in darkening my blonde. So i was thinking just go straight for the violet. What do you think? What's the best way to make the color last? You're awesome and if you can find time to respond you'd be the MOST awesome ever! Thank you :)
Hi! I’ve tried to edit that page over and over and I don’t know, something about the code causes some of the photos to not show up no matter how many times I try to reupload them! So frustrating, tumblr, Y U DO DIS? Anyhoo. Darker colors can really look off if it doesn’t match all the values of the other dyes you’re using. So... if in doubt, dilute a dark color until it sort of matches the “lightness or darkness” of the base. I’m finding it a bit hard to imagine your situation since you have a multicolored base and you also plan to put multiple colors over it. However, looking at the video, it looks like she has dark roots and is using a dark color over them, then combing it through, and then for lighter midlengths she is using the lighter violets on them. In your case, you might want to try doing the light colors first, so you can see if you like it, and you still have a chance to make it darker if you don’t. If you do it the other way around (dark first, lighter later), you won’t get a chance to fix a dark color and you’ll be stuck with it.
sorryiloveyoustayHello! It's my first time reading your blog and I've read some of your posts when I saw your picture with minty turquoise and dusty peach and I wonder if you made any blogpost about it? Thank you!!
Hi, I think I haven't blogged about it. It's seriously just faded Turquoise on top and diluted Cerise underneath. All the pink at the bottom eventually washed off in like 3 months and because my base was yellowy it turned out peachy. :D
Howdy, folks! I’ve got a good chunk of questions to answer so I’ve decided to put up a post. Again, I only post when I receive around 3 or more, so sorry for those who asked aaages ago. Hope everything still worked out for you! :)
coffeedtea said: Hi, Jad!! I saw your recipe for stripping semi-permanent dyes without bleach-- do you still use the same recipe? Also, would it be wise if I used the peroxide-less version of it to strip out my old color, then right after just put some coconut oil and then bleach my hair to a lighter blonde? Thanks!! I hope you have a nice day!!
Hi, coffeedtea! Yes, I do still use the same recipe. However, using peroxide is something everyone should be careful about, so I don’t do it very often, only when I think it’s the logical option at the time depending on the health and overall state of my hair. You can definitely still use the formula without peroxide, the results will be similar to many of the generic fading formulas recommended on youtube and the internet.
Your hair will be very dry after fading due to all the color and dirt-pulling ingredients, so it is recommended that you baby your hair for a while before subjecting it to further torture, I mean bleaching, lol. So, I would definitely wait, deep condition, assess my hair after a few days, and THEN see if it’s good to bleach. Sometimes damage won’t show until after a few days, and sometimes people can overlook that. Good luck!
Anonymous said: How do I turn pink hair turquoise?
Hi! Unfortunately, pink is quite far from turquoise on the color wheel.
Check it out *points above*. You see that from turquoise, pink is 2-3 color grades away. You would need to bleach to get to a base for pink, or be patient and work around the color wheel. You will have to sport a color or 2 that is NOT pink as you do this. You don’t have to do it my way, but this is always what I do:
I would wait for my turquoise hair to fade. When it’s very faded I would put pink over it, which would turn purple, and that would be my hair color for a few months until it faded. Depending on how much yellow is in my base, it will be more purple or more pink. Check out this video of someone dyeing her turquoise hair pink.
When the purple fades I would then put a strong pink color over it which will turn everything either pink-purple, or a legit pink depending on how purple the base is. It will still have a few hints of purple under everything, but pink is generally forgiving.
Anonymous said: Hey Jad! I've been thinking about following your example & colour my hair -read your posts about 500 times already, but I still don't understand the colour mixing thing properly & hope maybe you can help? I can't bleach my hair to a white-yellow level and tone, so I only reach the yellow-orange stage at best. But I'd like a really dark lilac where my roots are and pastel lilac further down. Would I need to first put pink/red and then a blue hue on top? I'm super confused tbh. Please save me?
Hi! Whoa, sounds like you’re stressing out. :) If I were in your position I would probably just get a pink-based purple so it doesn’t clash so much with your orange base. Some people have had pretty good results with DIrections Plum over brown or brassy hair, so you can try that. Keep in mind it will be a dark purple, not a lilac. You can then wait for that to fade while babying your hair, then either rebleach or redye with the more lilac-color depending on how it all turns out when it’s faded.
1) Read this forum thread and
2)watch this video of a girl dyeing her brassy hair purple for more information.
Keep in mind I don’t know what your hair really looks like, so this is advice to take with a grain of salt. Just use common sense and logic and make the most informed decision you can. :)
kristinesnewleaf said: Hi! Im from Manila :) you said in your review that you bought winsor & newton when people started hiring you for commissions. Is the 14 half pan set enough (the one from your post)? Or did you get a bigger set? :) also, si @artyanimalmnl lang seller?
Hello, Kristine! I work on post-card sized and ACEO-sized pieces most of the time, and I have a bunch of other paints so I haven’t run out of anything yet. I’m running low on some so to be safe I bought tubes of my most used colors, which are the single pigment Ultramarine and Burnt Sienna. They sell for 800-1000 per 15mltube where I live. TBH, buying by the tube is the better way because when you buy so many pans you may not use all of the colors. I bought my Winsor and Newton Professional Field Box from Morning Light Art and Gallery, which is an actual art store in Davao :) @artyanimalmnl sells Cotman, but she can get the Professional/artist grade on special order for you. A bunch of other people sell W&N Professional on instagram. Try @cheriefer16, @artforeverph, @dolcesonline.
Anonymous said: Will you make the diy gold ink tutorial? (PS your reviews are really great and insightful!!)
Hello, yes! Haha. Thanks. I’ve been compiling the photos for it, so I can probably release that tutorial in the coming week. :) You can follow me on instagram @jadmontenegro if you want like an instant update on when I’ve posted it.
Anonymous said: would one container of directions hair dye work on thick shoulder length hair?
Heya! Depends on how saturated/dark you want your color. If you want to use the undiluted color, definitely 2 tubs would be a better idea. I have pretty thick hair and one tub isn’t enough for me. If you’re going to dilute it with about the same ratio of conditioner, one tub can be enough. :)
On More Than Mary today, I'm talking ch-ch-changes.
I got this email from a reader a while ago, and thought I’d share it along with my response to her! She writes:
I’ve always been a particularly unhealthy eater. My blessing and my curse is that this unhealthy way of life doesn’t really show up on me physically. But of course, I’m old enough to know better and I am starting to feel the effects of it – I am tired all of the time, I am lazy (hence my ordering a pizza instead of cooking a meal), I make up excuses for not getting food at the grocery store or exercising more. And worst of all, I have a history of heart disease and other ailments in my family. I need your advice on how to start living a healthier lifestyle. And let me tell you, its easier said than done to “just do it”, as everybody tells me – I need baby steps! I want to take care of my body starting at this relatively young age, I want to have energy, I want to exercise more!
This reader has the right idea when she asks for baby steps. That’s EXACTLY how she can gradually live a healthier lifestyle. I want to help her get going, so here are a few things she can start doing TODAY:
Focus on eating a nutritious breakfast. She shouldn’t try to overhaul her whole diet at once. If she focuses on changing just one meal at a time, it won’t feel so overwhelming. There’s even a diet based on this principle! Start with breakfast (and definitely eat it, I don’t care if you’re not hungry at first!). My PB&J oatmeal is nutritious, but tastes pretty decadent. You can make it with rolled oats, too, for a faster meal.
Start switching from fast food to REAL food, fast. I’ve posted several recipes that take around 10 minutes to prepare (you can’t tell me you can drive to a restaurant and pick up food much quicker than that!). If you have to start with packaged foods, that’s fine, just make sure they’re healthy. Stock up on frozen vegetables, whole grain instant couscous and brown rice, whole wheat pasta, and protein that doesn’t need cooking like tofu, pre-cooked chicken sausage, beans, white deli meat, etc. Then, gradually add foods that require more prep (See my post about Mix & Match eating.)
Plan to cook just two to three dinners a week. Ease into the rhythm of cooking dinner by planning just two or three meals a week to cook. Add the ingredients to your grocery list and then plan to cook when you have the most time and will feel the most relaxed. As you get more comfortable, you can increase the number of meals you plan to cook.
