Thank you from Dante & Me!

Thank you to everyone who Read, Loved and Followed!

Hope you got to make it to the show, it was a great turn out and as an artist, I love showing my work first hand so thank you for coming out!

Also, thank you Cru for hosting yet another successful show on Nov. 6, I ended up selling 7 pieces and 16 Lohomatic Posters! If you or anyone you know is looking to purchase a part of the Dante Polaroid Series feel free to contact me.

Day 30

Standing

Yesterday I was in a dark place and quite honestly today isn’t that much better... I am trying to be positive... looking around me and seeing everything seem to be going good for the people around me so why not let the darkness roll off my shoulders... if it were that easy so many things in this world would be so different.

You know the movie Garden State (click here for the scene) where he takes the starry eyed smiley pill and everything slows down and then speeds up all while he is sitting there letting the time pass him... that’s how I feel, only I’m not under the influence. I’m just standing... standing and letting the people and the time pass me by, I feel like I am watching everything happen for other people as I am in a stand still... I am tired and a bit lost...

Anyway, needing to find a positive outlet Killah K and # came over and as I felt as if I was standing, I had her stand in my place... yeah she’s topless and inked and it made me smile which was a nice getaway. A bro, her girl and me, the best friend.

Jesus : TITS!

I know I have a lot going for me and that I am creative... I think that part of being a creative soul is the darkness... not only the fortune but the misfortune... the extremes bring the intensity that forces the creative flow and probably why so many artists are/were fucked up and so called crazy. I’m not saying this to scare people... I’m just saying this because I just want to be apart of something worth something... I want to be wanted and not just because I take pictures or create a beautiful world around me... Who knows if this makes sense and I feel like I’m rambling so I will leave you with this: Thank you for continuing with me through Oct. 30 Days 30 Photos. I truly appreciate all the comments and feedback. I hope that through this, I have connected with you on some level and let you know that the world is full of both chaos and beauty. Best wishes and see you for the next series.


Today:
Song: Zero 7 - Waiting Line
Quote of the Day: “I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy, i’m telling you it’s going to be worth it.”
Fav Food Consumed Today: Chicken Alfredo w/ broccoli
Craving: Combos
Drinking: Diet Mt. Dew
Random Fact: Finding happy isn’t always easy but I have hopes that tomorrow will bring sunshine. Anche nel buio a trovare la luce.

Day 29

A Mess

Do you ever look around you and see the world turning and wishing to could either one, stay with it or two, catch up? That’s where I am at... My world is full of crap, full of wanting to catching up... I am forever going, I want to succeed, I want to do something great in life... I feel that I work so hard, that I try to put things out there and that I always end up at the buffet line grabbing way more than I can actually take on.

I wish things weren’t so hard sometimes. I wish you could say what you wanted or where you wanted to go and things would fall into place... but recently I feel like as everything is coming together, everything is falling apart. Everyone has their own demons, everyone has their own struggles and today I feel lost. I know things will be ok and that I will move forward but yes, not everything is rainbows and butterflies.

I guess in being a free spirit I can get lost in the moment, in which the big picture is taken away, my focus can go astray and in wanting to do everything and being that “YES” person, can actually make me want to scream inside my head. Don’t get me wrong I will never live any other way or want to change, I just have to remember to breathe and refocus.


Today:
Song: The XX - Sunset
Quote of the Day: “Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.”
Fav Food Consumed Today: LoHo’s cosmic turkey creation
Craving: Carrots
Drinking: Gingerbread Eggnog
Random Fact: As much as I put out there, I still live in my head... a lot...

Day 22

Missing kitty

As I walked in my casa around 5am I wasn’t greeted by my little man... in fact when I called out, there was stillness instead of his little purr-rawr and dog like run up to me... this is weird because Mr. Squinz is like a dog always waiting at the door when I get home, he is a very social, personal kitty.

Disheveled, I shook treats and walked all over my apt building. When I didn’t hear his loud meow or see his spunky little-self I went inside and handmade little signs and putting my info on them. Not knowing where he was and being emotionally and physically exhausted, I fell asleep. When I woke up someone on the third floor texted me saying they saw 2 guys from the forth floor take him in a give him food. I walked up and down the forth floor but being that most people work in the middle of the afternoon, I was shit outta luck. Around 2pm though I got a call asking if I was the one who made the signs. I said yes, and was told that they found him roaming around the bridge to nowhere near the mailboxes but weren’t able to keep him because of their cat not liking other kitties so they left him with the girl in 203. After thanking them I hung up and ran down to the girls apt. She came to the door carrying my little guy! She said that she was happy that he had a home and that he was the sweetest little guy. I thanked her a 100 times or at least it felt that way and took him in my arms, squeezed him extra tight and gave him a handful of treats.

I was so scared that I lost my little man, he has been with me since 2008 I bought him as a b-day present for myself. We have been through some crazy situation, lived in many different homes and traveled all up and down the eastern US. He loves me unconditionally, drives me up a wall at times but none the less he is always there, right where I need him, so the thought of him not coming home crushed me. I guess I could say, while everyone else is a revolving door Mr. Squinz is my constant staple.



Today:
Song: Bill Withers - Lean On Me
Quote of the Day: “All I need is someone who can be there, who can stay no matter how hard it gets.”
Fav Food Consumed Today: Lo Mein
Craving: Pita w/ hummus
Drinking: H2o
Random Fact: Squinz and I have been to 7 different states and have lived in 6 different places since the day we came into each other’s lives in fact he use to walk on a leash when I lived in Savannah and I also use to zip him up in my sweatshirt and carry him around during my daily activities... Crazy Cat lover!

Day 16

Adventure Time!

Who knows if it’s because I’m an aries or the fact that I love the sparkle, the light, the excitement of fireworks and getting up and going but anytime I hit the road I find myself pulling off at exit 164 in Tennessee with the glowing firework sign... I feel like this place is actually a flea market because once you step inside you can find almost anything or anything you never thought existed plus everything but the snap crackle pop is dated with a quirkiness about it. It's funny because sometimes with old places like this I get really creepy vibes or a caution feeling but this place has been my pull off spot to pick up a few things and hit the bathroom since my random adventure to Chattanooga where a friend and I drove up to grab dinner and find oddly enough fireworks... :)

See here's the beauty of hitting the road and finding adventure, somedays I get antsy and want to get away from everything... I find myself in the car a lot of the time... sometimes I just sit and daze off into my music not moving staring off into space all while creating a world in my head or forgetting everything and sometimes I just keep driving with no direction in mind... I drive until I get somewhere, whether it be new or old. I crave adventure and the art of always going until you find that moment in which you can breath and say "okay, I can turn around." I've been finding myself wanting to get away a lot lately, so, when my family said come on up and take some photos, I said give me 2 weeks and I will see you... in this case my trip was planned but sometimes just getting in the car and seeing where it can take you is the best medicine... at least for me.


Today:
Song: Elton John - Rocketman
Quote of the Day: “Life is about using the whole box of crayons.”
Fav Food Consumed Today: Pork Sandwich
Craving: Apple Pie w/ Vanilla Ice Cream
Drinking: Diet Coke
Random Fact: When I feel the need to leave... I go.

Day 15

Chip Monster

Dave’s Cosmic Subs where everything is cosmically delicious! With a menu that stretches out across the whole front wall and where we create specials based off our taste buds or creative customers, there really is no better place for a sub sandwich when it comes to this hole in the wall wonder... at times I can honestly say it help save me... they took me in when I needed extra money and 3 years later I do it all right along with my crew.

Dave’s isn’t just a sandwich shop to me... it’s what I call family... we work together, we laugh together, we goof, joke and cry, we eat, we dance, we party, we spend holidays feasting and we have a love hate for each other as if we were all related because trust me if anyone messed with anyone of us we would all have each others back. Over the years we have greeted and waved goodbye to employees but the truth is once you are in the crew, burns and all it’s like a secret society and Dave’s blood is the best blood.

Sure I work at a sandwich shop in which I could be doing something else, making better money, with benefits and not slicing meat for a living but because of Dave’s I get to set my own rules and life... If I worked behind a desk for someone else making designs or taking photos I would loose my creative... I would hate that I was making someone else’s dream/vision come true while putting mine on the back burner... I am an artist, a creative soul, I have dreams and goals and I will work for them because I do not want to loose what I love about myself... I know that working behind a counter isn’t what I strive for but with the people I work with, getting to be creative with food and making people’s tummies smile and then getting to build myself as Hoffmeister is worth it.

In life all I’m looking for is to inspire, to create success, to find happy... I do want a family and I want to be able to take care of things so that they can live comfortably and I hope I can do that along with keeping true to myself because I want them to know me the way I see myself and the way I would want to see them live... as themselves.

So to Dave’s and my crew, I Love You and know I have your back like the perfect sweater, even when the day comes that I throw away my gloves for the last time!


Today:
Song: Joe Cocker - With a Little Help from my Friends
Quote of the Day: Keep Calm and Eat a Sub Sammie
Fav Food Consumed Today: LoHo Special: Turkey, bacon, japs, bp, let, mustard, cheddar, prov on wheat dunked in jap oil!
Craving: Beef Lo Mein
Drinking: H20
Random Fact: There are almost 20 Dave’s throughout the US... Dave’s ATL is the only one in the southeast region and we still got that Mom and Pop shop feel!

Day 14

Park Parade

As my newly found friends picked me up with lunch and fireball in hand, my body felt sour but my heart beat proudly. We found our way to 10th and Myrtle and set up camp for the Parade. I watched the streets full of people showing their pride and support making me happy to be apart of the gay community.

I sometimes hate the way we are portrayed, how people can see gay and think about the dirty underwear almost pornographic ads of David and other Fag Mags and discredit us or think that’s how we always are. It’s sad and unpleasing, because that is far from the truth. I want people to look at us and think no other, to not just think “Oh there’s Fun-Fabulous” or “Watch what you say they may have a crush on you”... Bullshit... I was born this way, I know it, just like you know if you like boys or girls... I didn’t choose this... because trust me I would much rather be a straight man and caring out a so called “normal” life where society welcomes you open handedly, then again if that was true, I wouldn’t be the one and only LoHo. But. seriously, I guess I just hate ignorance and stereotypes... specially when it comes to people because I am a person of values and morals, I know I am good, I know that life is so much more than what I do and who I love.

Pride to me is a way of showing love. That you are proud to love, straight, gay, whatever as long as you stand up and do it whole heartedly. And that is why I was proud today, because people of every race, age and size were lining the streets of Midtown and Piedmont park, showing curiosity, love and support. To me there is no greater feeling then love and being loved and if you get the chance to have it why should it matter with who.


Today:
Song: Lykke Li - Little Bit
Quote of the Day: "People should fall in love with their eyes closed. Just close your eyes. Don't look and it's magic."
Fav Food Consumed Today: Jalapeno CornDog
Craving: Funnel Cake
Drinking: Fireball
Random Fact: Wanting to be straight, I once tried to have sex with a boy... I felt so morally wrong that I threw up before it could happen, grabbed my clothes and excused myself. That was the moment I knew, I would forever love women and to stop lying to myself.

Day 13

Be Free

Have you ever looked up at the sky and felt like time stopped and as the world kept spinning you stood still? Today as I hit up Pride, I laid in the grass feeling the warm sun on my skin, looking to the sky and making shapes with the clouds and taking deep breathes having the world come in slowly. This was a mental pinch to myself saying yes, I’m alive, I am me and I am free.

I am thankful for the wonder of the world and for the fact that when I wanted to venture away from home to find my niche, to find myself that I had enough guts to pack up and go. In life we are given so many opportunities, so many chances to face our fears, our dreams and to find our reality of ourselves. Yes, I was scared, nervous and unsure but like any great adventure or life moving moment, it will be... for it is the unknown and that is beautiful... getting to start clean or start something, having the knowledge that we can do anything as long as we believe in ourselves. I loved where I grew up, it helped mold me into me but there were things that held me back and being here in ATL (a little more gay friendly) I had the chance to go out and find my fun fabulous-self, to try new things and to be openly happy about who I am and what I want. I can honestly say that I am molding into the person my cat and I myself am proud to be.

So, I challenge you to look around, to get lost in the clouds, to find what makes you happy and go after it.


Today:
Song: Motorcycle - As The Rush Comes
Quote of the Day: “If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try.”
Fav Food Consumed Today: Fellini’s Pep Pizza
Craving: Lava Cakes
Drinking: H2o
Random Fact: If I could go back and tell myself something, I would tell myself to not hold back and be so scared of what people think and their opinion on how/who I should be.

Day 12

I Love Fishes Cuz They’re So Delicious!

Oh how I wanted to go to the Aquarium party.

I put in my interest of wanting to shoot the Pride party and held out by putting my eggs in a baskets thinking I would shoot this party but sadly, I missed out on the general admission tickets... I was somewhat upset not being given enough time in if or when I was shooting what events. But the day of the aquarium party really wanting to go (specially since I took the weekend off to shoot and not work at Dave’s) I put a blast out on FB asking if anyone knew how I could get tickets and to my surprise and luck someone sent me info on how I could get VIP tickets! I jumped on it and drove out to Alpharetta to grab the tickets and quite honestly I was more than happy to be paying to enjoy myself then to be paid to take pictures. I not only got to go with my attractive LA but my two friends Killa K and #Hashtag came along after winning tickets from the pole dancing contest at LeBuzz (aka. LeBusted)!

The drinks were flowing, the lights were shining, the animals were swimming and life was a perfect puzzle piece. The whole night was like a dream and I was a kid in a candy store with an unlimited supply of happy. I drank till I was stupid silly and smiled till it hurt, it’s nights like this, with people like this that make memories and adventures outstandingly fabulous!


Today:
Song: Cherub - Doses and Mimosas
Quote of the Day: “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”
Fav Food Consumed Today: Cocktail Meatballs
Craving: Coconut Shrimp NOM
Drinking: Tidal Wave
Random Fact: I’m not really a seafood person but I do love sushi and going to Red Lobster for the endless Shrimp out!

Day 11

I now Pronounce you:

Every now and then we are given small tests to find out our true nature and character as a person.

Almost a year ago in January I did a photo shoot with an amazing friend and mentor and in late March / early April she was contacted by an Urban Outfitters rep who ran across my photo on a fashion blog and asked about the hair makeup, wanting to know if she would be interested in starting a line. For the next few months she worked her bones to the grind and sure enough her product hit and in 3 days was sold out online. Urban was so excited that they decided to have a launch party in NYC at their Soho location, where Ellie Goulding would be singing her new solo. She asked if I wanted to go and that she would pay for it since I had been there from the start! I was jumping for joy, the fact I would get to go to NYC, to be surrounded by amazing people, to meet Ellie (who I’ve been listening and swooning over for the last 3 years) was such a rush I could of had a boner... but then it hit... What day, I asked “Thurs” ...Thurs, what?! “The 11th” ... And my world went spinning... I felt like I was falling a 1000 feet without a parachute... A wedding FML! I was contracted to shoot a wedding... now in the contract it stated I could cancel at anytime but they had found me months in advance and it was 2 weeks away, I was recommended by a friend, they had already paid and they loved their date of 10/11/12.

I wanted to be in New York so bad but I didn’t want to leave these people hanging for they told me they couldn’t see anyone else shooting their wedding. I called my dad... being a strong man in ethics and in life I asked his advice. Wishing I could clone myself and be in two places at once I knew what I had to do, I had to keep my promise. I hated myself but I would have hated myself even more if I would have been selfish and chosen to go to NYC. I know that in time I will get another chance to shine and to have my cake and eat it too but in that moment sticking with my word and shooting someone’s most memorable day was what I needed to do, even if it meant missing out on one of my most memorable days.


Today:
Song: Ellie Goulding - Lights
Quote of the Day: “Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life.”
Fav Food Consumed Today: Roast Beef with Horsey Sauce
Craving: Rainbow Sherbet
Drinking: H2o
Random Fact: I look forward to finding the girl I want to spend the rest of my days with, who I can laugh with, share with and be the person I see myself to be.

Day 10

Photo - Sharpie Slam

Waking up this morning I had a plan of hitting up Bitch Bingo at Joe’s (still went) till I was messaged about a sharpie slam! I had no idea what this was but the fact that sharpie was in the title, I had to go! I love being surrounded by art and inspiration.

As a room full of on lookers showed up, we watched four teams dual it out for 70 mins. When starting I was in awe over Team 1 as they sharpied their hands and painted onto the canvas almost giving a watercolor effect but once they started drawing onto their amazing I quickly lost interest and started noticing the others. Team 2 used line art technique, watching them barely lifting their pens off the canvas was really intriguing to watch and had to be my 2nd favorite in the end. Team 3 started out using yellow pen to lay down guides and foundation which a caricature of the two artists formed. But my personal favorite had to be Team 4, at first I really thought I wasn’t going to like theirs and maybe it was because their canvas was offset to everyone else’s but as they drew a bubble cloud surrounded by monsters and random characters, I couldn’t help but fall in love even if it was very close to an already made sharpie commercial.

I honestly wish I was more in the art scene than I am. I love openings, viewing and experiencing so, tonight's adventure was the perfect get away!

Today:
Song: Morgan Page - Body Work ft. Tegan and Sara
Quote of the Day: “Creativity can solve any problem.”
Fav Food Consumed Today: Turkey Avocado Wrap
Craving: Steak N’ Potatoes
Drinking: Metro Martini
Random Fact: As a kid I remember doing arts and crafts all the time or making homemade playdoh and bubbles, my mom was always getting my brother and my hands into something different and pushing us to never stop imagining!

Day 9

Photo - Tequila

Some days are better than others... as yesterday I felt like I was walking on sunshine to this morning waking up with the grey screen of death... tried everything to fix it from reading tutorials and then giving up taking it to the MAC store at Lenox... Needless to say my hard drive crashed and the only thing I could do was to replace it... $250 dollars later around 10,000 photos lost in space forever and a bunch of my writing including the start to a book were no longer part of my life. I went to work hating myself, why had I not backed up everything like I know I should have?! I wanted to knock myself down... it was like I wanted to disappear for a hot min throw, punch and drop kick something. With everything piling up all I wanted was a release and then I got a text message!

“Come join us at our favorite mex. restaurant” Sure I could use a drink! I counted the mins till I got off work to go have a monster of a margarita and once there my whole day shifted, I drank, I laughed, I drank, I danced, I drank...yes, I know alcohol isn’t the answer but damn does it help take the stress of life away sometimes and in that moment I wanted to be lost in laughter and the moment. I love my friends for they picked up my tab and took me back to their house where we explored life, danced till we fell, acting oblivious and taking in everything. Yes, bad days happen, Yes, shit happens and Yes, everything can turn around for the better.

Today:
Song: Juicy J - Bands to Make Her Dance
Quote of the Day: “You have to fight through bad days to earn the best days of your life.”
Fav Food Consumed Today: Margaritas
Craving: Enchiladas
Drinking: Peach Lemonade
Random Fact: My first legal Cinco de mayo I cut a hole in a rug threw it over my clothes and ran up and down Broughton St. in Savannah drinking 84oz of frozen deliciousness (gotta love that open cup rule)... I then found out I was all over YouTube for dancing like a fool...

Day 8

Photo - 1-800-Dino

Have you ever met someone and in an instant felt calm and comfortable with them and after an hour of talking / being surrounded by them felt like you’ve known them for just under a lifetime?! I meet a lot of people, I love being social and putting myself out there but on occasion I find those kind of people who not only challenge a conversation but make it something where I not only gain information about life but also about being real. These people are what I like to call Soul Friends and that’s exactly what I was surrounded with this evening as I sat down with a beautiful soul and conversed.

To sit with someone, to share, to listen, to think, to learn, to laugh, to smile, to cry is beautiful. In the adventure of finding people and social experiences being able to connect and find people who make you tick is worth searching for because when you get a perfect moment or a moment that you can look back on and feel something: good, bad, whatever then you have taken and made a moment in which no one can take away.

So if you haven’t had a moment like this in awhile (or ever) I challenge you to find someone random or already established and have a true conversation to put a little bit of faith out there and hope that you gain a real moment.


Today:
Song: Damien Rice - Volcano
Quote of the Day: “I am not a 65 year old man who eats bacon.”
Fav Food Consumed Today: Dave’s Crazy Loho Sammie
Craving: Choc ice cream
Drinking: Diet Coke
Random Fact: I believe in People and that moments of true greatness can come from sitting down, talking and listening. Sharing your world and thoughts will not only keep us sane but remind us there is more to life than we sometimes think.

Day 7

Photo - Hotel, Motel, Holiday Inn

In life I have found by going with the flow and saying yes to adventures and everyday activities makes for a more fun, random and unforgettable life!

As our night started out at Joe’s then moving to Burkhart’s for the Sunday night drag show, I looked around at the friends I was surrounded with and wished for the night not to end... I told them and we decided to hit up a hotel since my friend was in town to perform and vay cay for awhile. We sat, we drank, we talked, we shared. Half pj’ed out and almost to the point of the sun rising we split ways.

If moments are all we have than I feel like I am one of the richest people.


Today:
Song: Grouplove - Tongue Tied
Quote of the Day: “And I swear, in that moment we were infinite.”
Fav Food Consumed Today: Chicken Chimichanga
Craving: Mac N Cheese
Drinking: Diet Coke
Random Fact: I love hotels, I love continental breakfast and free hot chocolate!

Day 6

Photo - Plays Well w/ Others

Hahaha, Squinz and Dante are beginning to be grand friends! After working all day all I wanted was to stay in and play. So, that’s exactly what I did, I edited some photos, wrote up a contract and sat back and watched Squinz carry little Dante around the house like he was a dog with his new favorite chew toy! As I watched him, I guess I saw how friends are kind of like how Squinz and Dante portrayed it to be. One getting treated better than the other, now squinz might have been treating him as a prince as he picked him up and carried him around the house but after dropping him like a bag of potatoes and then sinking his back claws into Dante’s sides I’d say the game wasn’t so much fun for him. All friendships have push and pulls, we test each other or at least in any real friendship I find this to be true. We know what makes us tick, makes us mad, makes us happy and when you find someone that makes you want to be or just makes you a better more fun loving person there is nothing more awesome. So, just remember not to use those back claws to hard.


Today:
Song: Chumbawamba - Tubthumping
Quote of the Day: “I have No time for Negative Bullshit”
Fav Food Consumed Today: Loho-CheeseSteak
Craving: Baked Ziti
Drinking: Orange Soda
Random Fact: I love bringing my friends together... I have all types and I love it that way, I don’t care what you wear, what your job is, how much money you make... all I care about it who you are and how you treat others. I like to surround myself w/ people who enjoy life and aren’t afraid to show it.

Day 5

Photo - Glass Objects

My coworker and friend from Dave’s opened a new shop called Glass Objects and had their grand opening so a group of us from work went to check it out and show support! It was amazing, they had glass blowing demonstrations, art, food and a lot of eclectic people. I had so much fun watching art being made right in front of me as I enjoyed some magical blue koolaid. They had a show room underneath the store and to be honest I have never really seen glass manipulated into the creative forms displayed, it was beautiful. They had so many different pieces and all I could think about was where am I going to get the money to get something unique. I ended up meeting some new faces and catching up with some familar ones. Not only did I get to show some support to my friend but I had a night with some amazing people.


Today:
Song: Nicki Minaj - Beez In The Trap
Quote of the Day: “What would you do if you weren’t afraid.”
Fav Food Consumed Today: Pizza w/ Garlic Sauce
Craving: Fruit Loops
Drinking: Magical Blue Koolaid
Random Fact: I would love to open my own store, club, restaurant or a place where I can bring people together to create and enjoy moments in life. I love food, I love people and I love making moments, so maybe one day!

Delay

Sorry for the delay guys...

In between my hard drive crashing, my car being in a hit and run, a wedding, Pride weekend and finding out my madre was in the hospital put a damper on a continuous update... but not to worry Dante and I have been taking our polaroids so as we hit the road for Nashville we will also be trying to catch up!

Please keep my Mom in your thoughts as we don't know what's going on w/ her and to wish me the strength to keep going.

Thanks,
LoHo

Day 4

Photo - Conserve Water, Shower w/ A Buddy!

Ever get that feeling where your world is going a hundred miles a min and you don’t have time to stop even for a shower?! Well, that’s how my life has been for the last few weeks getting everything together for this LoHoMatic series, photos, having my car involved in a hit and run, photos, graphics, photos, being a sub artist and trying to fit in a social life. I always want to have my hand in something and my feet wet but sometime I feel like I jump head first into the shallow end underestimating the depth and crashing terribly or diving in the deep end and I forgetting I need to come back up for air... there are so many metaphors I can think of I might drown you, so I will try and keep this simple. When your world is moving remember to shower, to stand under the water, letting it cover your body, feeling the warmth and feeling the clean... not only will you smell better but you usually feel a 100 times better... bringing that overwhelming feeling into bay, letting your sails rest. Hell after 3 days of not seeing my dream world before 5 and 6 am because of trying to take on the world a shower w/ a plastic dino did wonders not to mention an unforgettable moment.


Today:
Song: Metric - Breathing Underwater
Quote of the day: “While we cannot direct the wind, we can adjust the sails.”
Fav food consumed today: Chicken Nuggets
Craving: A Cheeseburger in Paradise
Drinking: Sprite Zero
Random fact: I love being around water, I was thrown into a pool at an early age, grew up on a beach, live to be on a boat and whenever I think vacation it usually involves some sort of water. One of my favorite memories is when I learned to sail in the Exuma Islands, I was on board a 42’ double mast called the Boundless and it’s true what they say, “once you’ve slept on a boat, you will never quite sleep the same.”

Day 3

Photo - Sharing is Caring!

The only thing I like more than women and art is food and when I can combine all 3... swoon, melt, heart skips a beat, jump, kick, karate chop!

I had plans to have dinner with a friend this evening, so when she got off work she came over and surprised me with a license plate sketch pad, this made me smile from ear to ear because most of the time I am the one making and handing out things that I think of for people. Today the tables turned and I enjoyed it. It may seem stupid but when I get something from someone because they thought of me, I feel special.

We then spent sometime catching up talking about everything from the birds and bees, apples and the trees and as we walked over to Fellini’s we decided to share our meal. I love sharing food, you get to try more things and enjoy it because you aren’t completely stuffing yourself over one thing! Naki Sake ended up joining us half way through dinner to have a beer and slice of pizza and quite honestly, I had the best time sharing in conversation with both of them... A night of sharing, from food to conversation and company, how could you not want to jump kick!

Today:
Song: Roxy Music - If There is Something
Quote of the day: “Shake your head girl with your pony tail, takes me right back, when you were young.”
Fav food consumed today: Fellini’s Calzone - Double Meatball, Mozz, Spinach and Garlic!
Craving: An assorted tray of fruit
Drinking: Lemonade
Random fact: Whenever I go to Fellini’s I get a 90% Diet Coke 10% Cherry Coke gotta love that KISS of something extra!

Day 2

Photo - Thank You Mail

The other day while Dante was being interviewed for his meet and greet an idea was born when the question: if you were a crayon what color would you be? The idea was to write a letter to Crayola posing as a second grader in hopes to get free crayons. Literally, we died laughing and so did customers as they got in on what in the world we were doing! I ended up going home that night and picking up my book (Letters From a Nut) reading a few entries which was filled of ridiculously funny letters to companies asking or telling them about something, in which was hard for me to put down but is where I got my idea for today.

Both Dante and I wrote thank you letters saying how we appreciated something. Dante ended up writing Little Debbie Snack Cakes saying he was in 3rd grade and loved their Zebra Cakes along with Nutty Bars! He asked questions such as: How many snacks do they make in a day, when did Little Debbie get on the box and would they ever think about bring back the PB&J oatmeal cookies. He even closed out the letter with a hand drawn picture of himself and telling the company they were smart to put a pretty girl on the box.

As for me, I ended up writing my Art/Cooking teacher from grade school, for I had known her since I was 12. She watched me grow up and saw everything from my wild and crazy side to the deep in art and peaceful centered self. In school, I had a roller coaster of a time as most kids do, but she was always there guiding me, challenging me and pushing my creative. I believe that when you find someone who does these things that they deserve to be told that they not only helped shape us but we have become better because them. So, I wanted to let her know how important she was to me. The thing is, I wanted to tell her years ago when I was still in college but with me, never being in my home state or her, no longer working at the school I attended, I had no real way of letting her know. She was unlisted from the phonebook, didn’t have e-mail and when trying to find ways to get in touch with her I was only lead to dead ends. Until out of the blue, I made a trip home and went to visit the Warhol Portrait Exhibit, to my surprise after 5 years I ran right smack dab into her. Surrounded in a room full of silk screens and silver factory balloons, I hugged her like I had just ran into Warhol himself. I wanted to know how she was doing and what she was up to as a game of 101 questions came to mind. I was given a short amount of time with her in which we shared a good hardy laugh and I told her how I’ve wanted the chance to say how much of a saving grace she had been for me and that when I couldn’t think of creative ideas I would always take myself back to the little art cottage that I had grown to know so well in my youth. The thing that stuck with me the most though, was when I asked her “Out of all days, what made you come to the exhibit today?!” She said “It’s funny, I came to try and find inspiration and look, I ran into you.” I had come to look at prints that I studied in art history classes and looked at in books, I was on the edge of my seat thinking “WOW, I’m going to get to see Warhol up close and personal” Yet, when I saw her, I couldn’t have given two shits, the fact that it happened, made for the greatest gallery showing’s I’ve ever experienced. Now, being several weeks later, I finally made myself sit down and write her, reiterating the fact that she was and is so very special.

I love writing letters, I love sending mail. I like letting people know that they are important. I feel that if you wish to say something to someone why not do it, for we only live once and we may only have one opportunity to tell them. I never thought I would get the chance to say what I wanted to, to her but because of a serendipitous moment I got my chance. Who knows if I will get to stay in touch with her or how things will play out but in my head I had wished that if I could have told anyone how much they influenced me and made me feel like I could do something amazing with my life, it was her. So don’t be so afraid to put yourself out there and share you feeling because at least you get to say you put them out there and you did what you wanted. You won’t look back and wonder... what if you get to say I did it and it was (insert adjective)!

Today:
Song: Zero 7 - The Pageant of the Bizarre
Quote of the day: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”
Fav food consumed today: Baja Chicken Soup
Craving: Key Lime Pie
Drinking: Water
Random fact: Receiving mail makes me feel special! When I get a magazine, letter or package I can’t wait to open it! As a kid, my Grandma Belle use to send me a kids news paper with word searches and games along with a letter filling me in and telling me she loved me... so maybe it's old school but it's the best school to be in!

Day 1

Photo - Rain rain go away... better yet stay

As my tired body woke up from dream world, I was pleasantly surprised by the dark clouds and a light showering of rain. I sat around my house in my oversized sweat-shorts listening to my morning spotify music list and high running fan and thought to myself what a perfect morning... For the first time in 2 weeks I didn’t have anything planned except to get this blog up and going again so, once I took my photo of Dante in my apt’s gutter storm drain, I came inside bundled up in blankets and pillows to lay down and watch a movie till I went into work at 3.

I am always one to seize the moment, to take every opportunity and to try to have a smile on my face w/ a kick in my step while doing it, but I must remind myself that I am human and deserve to sit in absolute silence or zone out and enjoy a movie from time to time. Living large and going after your dreams sometimes comes at a cost in which most cases is worth it but sanity is nice. My Momboroni has told me on several occasions to slow down and enjoy the ride, to work hard but to make time for people in your life. And I guess I mostly reflect on her statement “You can have the whole world and still be lonely, Lor.” That I must find people to share my world with and to watch out for the fair weather friends. I love that my mom still watches out for me, still puts me in my place and challenges me. It's because of people like her, that I know I will never be lonely, even if I feel dark inside at times.

So, yes, I watched a movie, zoned out, read a few chapters in my book and enjoyed every minute of it and for that, I thank the rain for letting me slow down for the day!

Today:
Song: The Beatles - Nowhere Man
Quote of the day: “I'm interested in people's darker side, the ones that aren't easy and well balanced. The cracks and scars are what make us beautiful and intriguing.”
Fav food consumed today: Mushroom Brie Bisque
Craving: Pizza
Drinking: Orange Soda
Random fact: Whenever I listen to The Beatles I get a since of happy, I’m reminded of how my family would belt out at the top of our lungs in the car or kitchen, dancing around laughing till it hurt and how my brother started a Beatles band in elementary school (he was George).

Meeting Dante the Dino

In following and getting to know someone you have to ask and answer questions, so that is exactly what we are going to do to our little man Dante!


Born: When dirt was new

Eyes: Black

Ninjas or Pirates: hmmm...

Celebrity Crush: Rex from Toy Story (Yes, I’m a Gay non-purple Dino)

Messy or Clean: These hands aren’t meant for cleaning

Bad Habits: Biting things

Hidden talents: Pogo jumping, French breakfast cuisines and nun-chucking skills

Morning Person or Night Owl: I’ll sleep when I’m extinct

If you could live anywhere: Dinosaur. CO

If you were a crayon what color would you be: ....Pistacio

If you had a $1,000,000 what would you do: Buy a Rose Garden w/ a wine/champagne bar & fire pit seating area attached (tuscan inspired) so I could serenade all the ladies

Biggest Pet Peeve: You Smell Like Phys Ed or starting some sort of Drama... in which case get out of LoHo’s Honda!

Something that might throw us off: I love taking showers and brushing my Teeth!

Are you a spender or a saver: YOLO!

Do you like Karaoke: Do Dogs Pee on Brick Walls?!

Have you played Dungeons & Dragons: ...Dungeons & Dinos!

Would you rather be good looking or rich: Who cares as long as I’m Awesome!

If someone asked you to give them a random piece of advice, what would you say: Go for it, anything whether it’s scary or breathtaking and be happy you had the chance to do it.

Do you Eat Meat: All day, Everyday!

How do you like your steak cooked: Like it like my men, RARE!

What were your grades like in school: Straight F’s ...I am Fucking Fierce Fabulous! :)

What do you think about art: It's the best thing since the ABC's!

Favs:
Color: Green

Drink: Jackle Juice - Apple Juice and Jack!

Movies: Land Before Time, Jurassic Park, Prehysteria, We’re Back & Super Size Me.

Music: Rock n’ Roll

Band: Dinosaur Jr. & Ke$ha

Sounds: Music, Cat’s Meow, Screaming People, Fireworks and the opening of a fresh can of CocaCola!

Lunch Meat: Humans wrapped in Bacon aka. Fast Food

Afternoon Activity: Putt Putt and Pina Coladas

Ice cream: Rocky Road or Cherry Garcia

The month of the Dino

That’s right, it’s back!

30 days 30 photos did so well that when I was asked by a handful of people if I was continuing the series I said “sure am!” I’m doing things a little differently this time though, I will still be doing the blog informing you about life, sunshine, my roller coaster, ideas and inspiration that surrounds me but also you will be following my little buddy! For the month of Oct I will be adventuring and living an everyday life of LoHo right along with my little guy who will be in all my mini POLAROID photos!

As a little kid my dad was one of my guiding forces. I always looked up to him and wanted to be surrounded by him because I thought he was the greatest thing on earth, right next to my mom. He spent the day in the city at the top of a big office building, traveling all over to far off lands at times... I had no real idea what he did but in my head I thought he was a king, 007, Superman or a Jedi Knight... don’t get me wrong I knew he came home in a suit but I couldn’t help but think of him as the majestic figure I had made him to be.

When I was 6 or 7 I remember coming up to him one day and giving him my little translucent lime green patasaurus dinosaur and told him to keep it in his pocket so I could always be with him and as my little brother watched me hand over my toy he had to get in on the action handing my dad an orange taradactle telling him “every time you stick your hand in your pocket you will remember us” and sure enough my dad said he carried those little guys in his pocket for almost a year through buisness meetings and everyday endeavors before they went on the never ending adventure at the dry cleaners. I know objects are just objects but they can also remind us of people and moments that make our world.

All in all, I hope you all enjoy the next month as I continue my adventure.
Forever Young, Forever Adventurous, Forever Yours.
-L

Day 30

Photo - Fully Bared




As I said on day one “I’m single like a dollar, for the next 30 days I plan on having you as my relationship, I will be honest with you and willing to share my life, so get ready I’m taking you on a ride!!!” And I hope I have, I know I have skipped days and kept you waiting but like any amazing relationship you will have push, pulls, and obstacles. You will share laughs and sorrow, you will be made to think and you will learn when you open yourself and are willing to not only think about yourself but another person or in this case my followers. I feel that this project has taken me further than I thought it would. It was fun and amazing getting feedback I loved watching my stats like a nerd and finding out that people in 5 other countries started to follow me. It has been a source of therapy to sit down and go through things, feel them and recognize that yes, I am alive and this is life both beautiful and a closterfuck.

30 Days, 30 Photos, I said, I would and I did what I said... Thank you to all the people who were apart of my 30 days of July, for without you I would be story-less and thank you to everyone who looked, loved and kept coming back, may you find your adventure or what makes you tic and go after it, put yourself out there instead of just talking about what you want to do... Remember the little engine that could... I think I can, I think I can... Chooo Choo!

All the best and much love :)
-L

Today:
Song: The National - Fake Empire
Quote of the day: “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” - Winnie the Pooh
Fav food consumed today: Fellini’s Salad w/ Ranch
Craving: King of Pops
Drinking: Diet Sierra Mist w/ a splash of Strawberry Kiwi
Random fact: Whenever I finish a project, there is no greater feeling then showing what I’ve done, the feedback and the look of people enjoying what i’ve done excites the Hell out of me... I guess you could say it makes the coffee and days of little sleep all worth it...

Day 29

Photo - My Mind




OMG... I am running on empty and need to sleep... I know this is not going to happen and having to work in a few short hours, finding time to get my photos organized, printed, writing finished, poster made, new hair cut and finding the perfect outfit is making me want to pass out and roll down a mountain full of grass to gain the excitement I am oh so urning for at the moment. (And yes, that was one long run on sentence).

The last real show I did was in October and I was due for a new challenge to keep my creative on it’s feet. I know when I am in certain moods I pour out with different kinds of inspiration and when it comes to putting my work on display... Oh man... I am my hardest critic and the biggest procrastinator yet I also love my ideas and what I do. The life of the creative is a roller coaster, I have epic highs and manic lows (in which I try to be a hermit for). My life is a ball of excitement, living in a city that if I wanted to I could always find the next party, show or awesome person, also a place to get lost and sometimes fall victim to the idiocracy of labels and social status. Truth is, I don’t want to care about anything except what makes me happy and that shows me that no matter what, I’m worth it and so is it, person, place, or thing.

So, yeah, this is my mind... ADD as FUCK! But that’s what makes me creative, the fact of the ever going and never sitting still. Small ideas can turn into beautiful butterflies and how many people does it take to screw in a lightbulb?!

Today:
Song: Bat For Lashes - What's A Girl To Do?
Quote of the day: “I go to sleep with a vague idea and wake up with and icon.”
Fav food consumed today: The Local - BBQ Sandwich
Craving: Mini Corn Dogs
Drinking: Diet Coke
Random fact: Whenever I look at the sky, I try and find awesome clouds that look like animals and whenever I look down and see clover, I look for four leafers!

Day 27

Photo - The Loho-Claw




No matter who I meet or where I go, I always give a tiger claw! It's a certain little something that takes you away from the norm and gives the people around me a fun and crazy vibe. I enjoy people, I enjoy making them relax, to get creative and make faces along with me. Life is so serious all the time that by giving a CLAW and a RAWR we are taking a mental chill pill and truly enjoying the moment... in which smiles run high!


Today:
Song: Santigold - Disparate Youth
Quote of the day: One day I want to honestly say... "I made it."
Fav food consumed today: Strawberry Yogurt and Granola
Craving: Beer Battered Mozzarella Sticks w/ Ranch
Drinking: Pink Lemonade
Random fact: In high school I loved watching all the design shows and coming up with ideas to make living spaces that much more enjoyable... So meeting Sabrina Soto and Bobby Berk was a nice touch!

Day 25

Photo - Lights and Adventures




Sometimes after a long day of doing what seems like everything for everyone else, I like to take an adventure and show someone who takes my mind to prettier skies what life is about. Good company, fine food and that look that you get when everything around you doesn’t matter because you can’t stop smiling. If I had my choice I would stay in this blissful place, I like getting lost, the feeling of being high off the world and the beauty around you.

Today was one of those days, everything was moving so fast and the realization of how quick the show was coming to me. I needed to slow down and thankfully for me I had made plans for just that. I went to visit one of my favorite chefs and he ended up treating my beautiful distraction and me to dinner which he made in front of us and did the whole 10 yards of food, drinks, and dessert! Afterwards, I drove the long way home and stopped by one of my favorite glowing sculptures. During the day they just look like giant white tubes but once the sun goes down the lights scatter the sky and I can’t help but stare at the beauty. The rest of the night was full of those moments where you wished time could stop, but exhausted from the real world of life, I actually closed my eyes and drifted to sleep.

Today:
Song: Mr Little Jeans - The Suburbs
Quote of the day: “Your Beliefs don’t make you a better person, your Behavior does.”
Fav food consumed today: Varasano’s Spinach, Pep, Garlic, Mushroom, Moz Pizza
Craving: Milkshake... one of those 2am - 4am Steak-n-Shake ones!
Drinking: Cherries Jubilee
Random fact: A lot of people have said I’m a player but I don’t see myself like that... in fact if you had to call me anything I would say it would be old fashioned and why you ask, well I’m not Biggie, I don’t crush a lot. I like to treat women like they are the best thing on earth because they are and that’s how they should treated. Plus, I like courting girls, getting inspired and thinking of ways to make them feel special. Of course I like to be naughty but nice comes with it... Santa doesn’t know what to do with me for the holidays!

Day 24

Photo - Dapper Doppelganger




Yes, it’s true, I look like Joseph Gordon Levitt. As a kid everyone said “You look like the kid from Angels in the Outfield” and that turned into “You look like the guy from 500 Days of Summer” and that I don’t mind at all because that would mean I have great style, awesome playlists following my life and Zooey Deschanel as a best friend and what’s wrong with that?!

Being called out for being the female version of him happens every so often but more recently and it’s pretty funny because when I went to open my mailbox this morning I surprisingly found him on the cover of my monthly subscription to GQ magazine. I feel it is ironic, 2 almost 3 years ago I felt like I was living the real 500 Days of Summer yet it was the 500 Days of some other pretty girl, the same things went through my head even though, I’m pretty sure everyone has their own “Summer”.

As a real person not only is he talented but he’s amazing, helping people and pushing people to go after their dreams, to set goals and run at them as if you were a steam roller. As the roles he picks, they are pretty perfect, fun, different and challenging kind of like me and my life, or so I think ;) At first glance you will see a fun loving, outgoing, happy go lucky person but sit down and have a real conversation with me and find that the complexity is there and that I am more than what meets the eye. So, in this case we might look alike but we are also pretty outstandingly fabulous, if you ask me.

Today:
Song: The Dandy Warhols - The Last High
Quote of the day: “Legend says, when you can’t sleep at night, it’s because you’re awake in someone else’s dream.”
Fav food consumed today: Fellini’s Salad and Slice of Pep.
Craving: Warm Brownies stuffed with PB drenched in fudge and surrounded by vanilla ice cream!
Drinking: Diet Coke with a splash of cherry
Random fact: I love magazines and getting them in the mail. I have subscriptions to GQ, Bazar, Rolling Stone, Playboy, Vanity Fair and Esquire!

Day 23

Photo - Sorry Not Sorry




Today’s entry will be an open letter, you know who you are, for everyone else, this is how I view things and feel about a certain situation.

Let me start out by saying, you are truly a beautiful soul, who cares so much for the world around you and I loved the time that we shared together. Maybe if things were different, things could have been different but between us there was a bump. I know today was your birthday... I honestly was at work but I also honestly feel for me to come celebrate with you is disrespectful on so many levels. Of course, I want you to have the perfect day, for you to be happy and enjoy the people and moments around you but I don’t think your day was suppose to include me, which is why I did not come. For us to hangout is hard for I never liked you as a friend and for me to be around you is not only hard but the way I feel it should be.

I met you at a time when I needed you... I need distraction, I needed inspiration, I needed to feel, but in getting you I also gained a roller coaster of feelings. You had a boyfriend yet you led me on, you made me believe I could have a chance... You liked me, I know you did... but you also twist things, you hurt me... for I am not an object, I am not here for you to figure yourself out with. Being me has it’s ups and downs and I honestly think you couldn’t see past my orientation, that yes, underneath it all I am a girl because otherwise I feel like things would be different and maybe not so vanilla.

I think you hurt me the most though, when your boyfriend left you and you came to me, I was the one you cried to, the one who tried to keep you together and within a week’s time you found some everyday Joe on okc and started dating him... to me you were dating both of us... In a harsh way, I felt like I was your emotional part of a relationship while he was there for the physical and being what I have been through and my own personal set of moral code, I didn’t mind at first but a game of three never lasts and things must change because it is not fare to have your cake and eat it to.

Your relationship with him became to hard for me to handle, I hated watching the both of you, yet I was continually being invited to all the things you guys did, dinners, outings with your kids, weekly drag shows and the constant spending of money that I was magically growing on trees. I hated that you would call me because you wanted to see me, then have him there cuddling together where I could hear him say “I love you” after two weeks time... It threw me off and I was getting over it because yes, every time I looked at you, I liked you and you showed me interest back and because you could have us both I started to talk to other people as well, but I never brought them around you or flaunted the fact that I also was someone that was desired and that others wanted and not just the emotional but the whole package. I could see the wear and tear on the XY chromosome and started feeling sad for him, the way you thread us together was not fare but it’s the way you chose to handle things, that having someone was your way of being safe and happy, but it had to be either him or me and the fact is, he is good, he is safe, he is stable, as much as vanilla as he is to me he is perfect for what you are looking for. If you are not willing to go out on a limb and taste the fruit that has never been tasted, then there shouldn’t be any desire for what you never had. As much as I don’t like him, I do honor the fact that he loves you and that you have chosen to be with him, and he does deserve respect.

Once I took steps back and started liking other people, distancing myself from your relationship with him and having him blow up in my face (as an animal instinct will kick in) I watch everything I predicted to happen but at light speed. I told you he would probably ask you to move in with him and marry him within a year and within four months “BING” I didn’t think you would get pregnant either but in being straight it is a lot easier to conceive children and in 9 short months just about a year of being together you both will be parents. I not once have acknowledged the fact of this matter till now and I will not share my thoughts past this. I do however hope that you are happy and wish you everything and more. Unfortunately for you, I cannot be apart of what we use to have and as said before being a friend to someone who I never looked at as a friend is asking me to do something that I honestly can’t. So truthfully, I am sorry but I also have taken by backbone back and will be able to eventually give all of me to someone else who not only wants it but deserves it.

To all the adventures that lay at your feet, best wishes.

Today:
Song: Mumford and Sons - The Cave
Quote of the day: “I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles.” -A.H.
Fav food consumed today: Bean and Cheese Burrito w/ Sour Cream and Jalapenos
Craving: Pancakes
Drinking: Water
Random fact: As a kid and even now, when I find someone that I connect with I love them with all I have, this is both a beautiful and scary thing...

Day 22

Photo - Laundry




Oh how I hate laundry... I mean, I love clothes and looking sharp and sexy but man... I wish when I took clothes off there was some magical fairy to come along and POOF everything was clean... unfortunately this is not how life works... So, every 3 to 4 weeks I make the truck to the laundry mat. I know what you’re thinking, “gross you only wash your clothes once a month.” But seriously, I know I have staples of awesome clothes but I also have mountains to choose from, meaning when it’s time to wash well let’s just say it would take me at least 8 loads to clean all my clothes, sheets, towels, and underwear.

Not going to lie I walked into Midtown Wash with 2 ikea bags, a hamper and a big Urban bag full of boxer briefs, took me 2 hours, a 6 load washer a 3 load washer and a 2 load washer to soap up all my clothes and then 5 dryers... Needless to say I’m glad I have laundry mats to go to because that would have taken me a day in a half to clean at the house... although if I would of had a washer and dryer in my apt I would be doing laundry every week making me “So fresh and so clean clean.”

Oh to this love, hate relationship... I love my clothes to smell so wonderful and to make my apt smell like soft cotton but lugging, washing and folding is not a game I like to play... then again I don’t know anyone who enjoys folding let alone the other two. Plus when going to the mat I get to people watch and see how everyone does things, we are all so different, yet so similar. This trip I found out some people really shouldn’t be parents or be allowed to reproduce, which is sad because I love kids and feel like if you have them you should show them attention, affection and love because that’s all they really need but what I witnessed was far from any of those making for a sad and annoying experience. Oh laundry mats, forever washing, full of suds and mountains of quarters, how I hate you and love you but thank you for always making my clothes smell pretty and look like new.

Today:
Song: OutKast - So Fresh, So Clean
Quote of the day: “I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see.”
Fav food consumed today: Noodle - Sweet and Tangy Chicken
Craving: PB Oreo Cookie Bark
Drinking: Diet Coke
Random fact: Growing up I had the best little Italian Nanna. I knew in the morning when she arrived because the house would fill with her scent and when she would wash and fold my clothes she would rub off on them... it was the most comforting thing. Because even though the smell was over powering, it was calming at the same time.

Day 21

Photo - Birthday




I love birthdays! In fact, I love any reason to celebrate life... if it has drinks and cup cakes attached, it makes it even better! For me it’s a day to make everything epic come together and share it with anyone who puts a smile on your face and that pep in your step, so when I get invited to someone’s birthday who means something to me, I try to make my way there.

Now the Frizzi girls know how to party. I went to Shannon’s bingo extravaganza b-day back in February and got so toe up from a mountain of cake pops and some special juice that I passed out on the couch for 3 hours before finding my way home. This time for Allie’s b-day, I paced myself... although Mrs. S did make some infinite Hunch Punch and I downed 3 cups before biting into a rainbow bright cup cakes the other Frizzi sister, Tiffany made!

Allie had a color party, in which everyone came in an assigned color and of course because I never check my invites or email invites, I just showed up, luckily hours before Naki told me it was a color themed extravaganza, so I showed up in Mauve! The thing I love about the Frizzi sister’s is that it doesn’t matter how I would have shown up... they always take you in, hand you a drink, feed you and your soul of hearty goodness and a ton of sweets and after dancing in the kitchen, send you on your way while wishing you the best. It’s the simple things like birthdays of getting your favorite people together and coralling them in your backyard, while you eat grilled skewers and laugh till it hurts and stumbling inside to belt out karaoke with a tiny Asian is what makes the world go round sometimes and I certainly love that I get to share in moments like these with people like the Frizzi’s.

Today:
Song: Rihanna - Birthday Cake
Quote of the day: “I feel infinite.”
Fav food consumed today: Steak and fruit skewers
Craving: Mac N’ Cheese
Drinking: Hunch Punch
Random fact: If it wasn’t for creepy dirty old guys and upsetting my family... I would be a stripper... and yes, I would play the part, I would wear extensions, heels, and little to no outfits.

Day 20

Photo - Walls




Ever get that feeling like you can’t push anymore... that you’ve hit a wall and no matter how hard you push, you and your bones are exhausted... well that’s how I feel. Sometimes I take on to much and I over work myself. I try to make everyone happy, to take all the jobs that come my way so I can say I did it, that I take it on and conquer everything... Truth is, I’m human, I get tired, I have feelings, I am not always smiles and rarely perfect, but I try.

For the last month I have barely gotten a full nights sleep, in fact most nights I get naps, usually in incrivals of 4 hours. I honestly like working and keeping busy, I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t, which is why I create projects on my own time... partially because I want to keep my creative flow but also because sitting still drives me up a wall. I think my mind moves so fast and with the invention of internet featuring facebook, twitter and pinterest I can’t stop thinking I need to be connected (making not having a smart phone a double edge sword). But also, I am a creature of social, I need to have as much human interaction and fun as I do work, which is why I’m running short and feeling like the wall in front of me is getting harder to push through.

Today was hard on me... it started off amazing, I grabbed brunch with K-Rex but after that I had one of those down hill days. I understand everyone gets criticized and I love to be critiqued on my work... I want to be better and to work harder, hearing the truth, good or harsh breaks you down and builds you up. But I do hate being personally criticized based on my character specially when I didn’t see anything wrong or the fact that I was being fare and for it to be on a social media site... really?! Don’t judge my character or my actions when I one, helped you out and cut you a deal and have done nothing but support our community and the people in it. I constantly bend over backwards and I feel like because I take photos as a job and it’s so “easy” that I’m expected to give people a break... guess what... I went to college... I spent 250,000 dollars on my education, I’ve worked for corporate, I’ve had my designs displayed in Taiwan, Korea, Hawaii, Colorado, California, Florida, Virginia and Georgia. I’ve been up for a Scaddy and an Addy Awards. I make art, I create awesome and I hate that the majority of society thinks they can have me at a discount... I mean, I don’t come to your job and say hey I’m in a bind, can I get stuff for free or at a discount. Honestly, I love what I do, I love taking photos and seeing people get excited just as I do when the photos come out, but I hate being the F word... that’s right Free and Fucked over. I do wear my heart on my sleeve and I do get taken advantage of which is why when I do stand up for myself and someone get’s their panties in a wad I question everything. I just have to remember I am worth it and that when people see my worth and express it, I can fully give them what they are worth. So thank you to the people who see the big picture.

Yes, life is hard and unfair at times and we all have bad days where we question everything, but we all must look at the good and try to find the sledgehammer that can break through even the toughest walls that are set before us. For I do not want to view the world with a sour taste. And as Jay-Z says “On to the next one” for I see the hope in tomorrow being better.

Today:
Song: Radiohead - Talk Show Host
Quote of the day: “So, this is my life. And I want you to know that I am both happy and sad and I'm still trying to figure out how that could be.” - The Perks of Being A Wallflower
Fav food consumed today: Rise n’ Dine - AM.Tacos and B-fast Sammie
Craving: PB & Banana Vanilla Grilled Sandwich w/ Ice Cream
Drinking: Diet Coke
Random fact: When I’ve done something for someone and the look of appreciation shows in their eyes and their smile, there is no greater feeling.

Day 19

Photo - My Little Sub Shop




Dave’s Cosmic Subs, where everything is comicly delicious! It has been almost 3 year since I stepped into my little sub shop and started my sandwich artisty. I loved subs and I needed a job, I went from working at The Weather Channel and moving to ATL with really nothing and after getting small design jobs and finding hell in clients and the “what ifs” in freelance, I asked for a job and started as cashier and delivery driver. It wasn’t till I was 9 months to a year in, that I started making subs... I always messed around with them but I never worked fast enough to be on the line.

I like being a sandwich artist. Dave’s is NOT subway... at Dave’s you actually eat fresh. Everyday we slice and weigh out the meat. I’m an expert at breaking down a slicer and putting it back together. I like making sandwiches, I love making people’s tummies happy and full. I like trying new things and different flavors. As from a previous post you saw my doughnut burger well, one time I made and epic sandwich that my boss says I should put on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives. It all started out with all things a doughnut. I came into work on a Saturday wanting brunch and so I ran to the CVS, next door and grabbed egg beaters and cream cheese, I then cut open an italian loaf spread the cream cheese and added the eggs, topped it with bacon and both provolone and cheddar. Sounds good right... well, here’s where it gets weird, I sliced the doughnut into thin flat slices and covered the top of the b-fast sandwich with them, stuck it in the oven and let the top caramelize I pulled it out of the oven and topped it off with syrup... so weird sounding but the fusion of flavor was amazing!

Every sandwich I make I try to put the best into it and make it like it’s the first sandwich of the day yes, I’m not as fast as the other artists in the shop but they come out looking and tasting like nothing other... give me your taste preferences and your trust and I can make you the most tastiest creation ever! To the little shop that does as much for me as I do for it. I love you Dave’s and the little family that we have created over the years.

And if you haven’t tried Dave’s Cosmic Subs... I suggest you come in and try it for yourself! Located over in Emory Village. 1540 N. Decatur Rd NE, ATL Shawty!


Today:
Song: Green Day - Basket Case
Quote of the day: “I like a cook who smiles out loud when they taste their own work.”
Fav food consumed today: Chill w/ extra Jalapenos, Banana Peppers and lots of cheese!
Craving: McGriddle
Drinking: Arizona Fruit Punch
Random fact: I’ve been cooking since I was 5. My dad said if you want to eat grilled cheese and pancakes everyday you are going to learn how to make them... I learned and continued to love being in the kitchen, so anytime I get a chance to be creative and make someone’s tummy happy, I’m in!