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!

Day 18

Photo - My Hideaway




The city view is breathtaking and quite honestly this image doesn’t even come close to the real beauty you experience when standing there. I feel that everyone should have a place that they can go to clear their head, to reflect or to take life in and be thankful that yes, we are breathing.

I found this spot almost 4 years ago and I visit it every so often. When I go there I get a feeling of there is so much more to life then what I’m living. I take deep breaths, I close my eyes and open myself, I dance, I scream, I sing, I’m quite, I’m still, I’m like a sponge I take in the moment of the city whether it be in the middle of the afternoon or the late hours of the night. I love watching the traffic and the lights, at night I feel like it’s christmas and get that nostalgic holiday feeling which makes my soul smile. I think spending time with yourself and truly taking things in is one of the most beautiful things we can do.

I have shared my hideaway with a few people. If you are one of my good friends or someone that I find special, I have probably shown you this spot. I’ve ran naked, I have lit fireworks and sparklers, done industry photo shoots, even had my 23rd birthday extravaganza up there. It’s just a spot, but a spot that I will forever be thankful for because it holds both good and hardship and makes me think for me. May you find your hideaway and may you take in and let go.


Today:
Song: Sneaker Pimps - 6 Underground
Quote of the day: “If you look after goodness and truth, beauty will take care of itself.”
Fav food consumed today: Chicken Chimichanga
Craving: Hibachi
Drinking: Diet Coke
Random fact: In high school my mentor showed me a water dam that was covered in graffiti. When I felt alone or out of it, I would drive out there and walk the dam skimming my hands or feet in the water and stare off at the sherbet skies.

Day 17

Photo - Krispy Kreme Bacon Cheeseburger




Disgustingly Awesome... or at least that’s what we are going to say! After surfing through food blogs and my love of Pinterest, I ran into a photo of doughnut cheeseburgers and my mouth started to water... All I pictured was Tommy Boy (Fat boy in a little coat) and David Spade’s character when he’s in the car, watching Tommy boy eating and squirting ketchup packets into his mouth saying “Uhhh, I can actually hear you getting fatter.” Anyway, I posted a picture of it on fb and within mins people were commenting and liking the post. I love the health conscious people and how they wrote, “No”, “Yuck” and my favorite “I’m not ready for you to die.” which in response to all of them, thank you for looking out for my arteries! I on the other hand had to try it.

After spending the rest of the night craving them I decided that I would satisfy myself as I was sitting down at HD1 eating corn dogs for lunch... Bahahaha, I guess you could say I want to die fat and happy rather than skinny and bitchy. Don’t get me wrong, I love when my body craves fruit and veggies but I also like to satisfy my fat snack cravings! So, I hopped in my car an hour before work and made my rounds, going through KK and Wendy’s drive thru getting a dozen doughnuts and four cheeseburgers. I then went into Dave’s and started constructing adding extra bacon and cheese!

It was pretty fun making them because both shifts stuck around to see and taste this monstrosity! I made a double doughnut, double meat the first go around and to be honest the doughnut was over powering so the next two I made I cut the doughnut in half and still topped it with the extra cheese and bacon... it turned out perfect! Kind of weird and something I’m glad I don’t eat everyday but something I’m glad I can say I tried!

I love being in the kitchen making stuff and trying new things! Going from a plain Jane kid to one that’s willing to challenge my taste buds! MMMMmmm yeah!

Today:
Song: Walk the Moon - Anna Sun
Quote of the day: “Don’t believe everything you read... you might die from a misprint.”
Fav food consumed today: Tin Lizzy’s Build your own salad - pumpkin seeds + japs, cheese, chicken shrimp and ranch
Craving: Smart Start Cereal w/ ice cold milk
Drinking: Rum and Ginger
Random fact: I use to hate Jalapenos but after working at Dave’s I can’t get enough of them... A turkey sandwich w/ out them is just vanilla. I like to Spice up my life!

Day 16

Photo - Oxymoron




Have you ever seen the rain?! I mean, I know we all have but have you ever taken the time to really notice it, to enjoy the raindrops, to feel them hit your skin and roll down your body, to let it take you somewhere else?!

As I got off from work I left my windows cracked in my car because the heat was so intense and I hate coming out and sitting in a sauna. It was blue skies with beautiful clouds, so I thought I would be safe... yeah an hour later all I hear is thunder but since it was still sunny out I thought “hey passing storm!” to my surprise I hear it start to downpour but no dark clouds... Oxymoron... (all I could think of was frozen hot chocolate) I then realized “OH SNAP, my windows are open!” So, I ended up running out to my car but as I did I slowed down, I looked up at a beautiful blue sky and took it in, I let the rain drench me... I ran my fingers through my hair and twirled around for a min. A few of my neighbor ran by me, I’m sure they thought I was off my rocker but the truth is, I didn’t care... I then went up to the forth floor and took a few photos looking over Ponce trying to get the rain and sun together. Unexplainable wonders... serendipity... it is times like this that make me love the randomness of life a little bit more!

Today:
Song: Creedence Clearwater - Have you ever seen the rain
Quote of the day: “I like people who smile when it’s raining.”
Fav food consumed today: El Potro’s #1 Dinner Combo: Two enchiladas and taco w beans
Craving: Krispy Kreme Bacon Cheeseburger
Drinking: Pina Colada w/ cherries
Random fact: Once as a kid we had to stop playing a softball game because of a thunderstorm, when we got home I didn’t go inside... I pretended to be a weather adventurest and ran around the yard and jumping in the puddles in the street with my baseball bat... idk if my parents wanted me to get hit by lightning, haha but it was my kind of adventure!

Day 15

Photo - Victory



From a night of paint and wasted face to falling asleep around 6 just to get up and open the shop and work till close... Exhaustion was only the beginning... at least I got an hour to go home = 20 mins to lay on my bed and wish I could drift into dreamland, so maybe a bad idea. Anyway, when closing time rolled around I was thankful and called Jenni Penni we talked for a little and really wanting a drink and the thought of slushies we pick our favorite spot, Victory Sandwich Bar over off N. Highland and Elizabeth St.

Kind of ironic or maybe not, but after working a double, I got a double... within a double! Two double Jack n’ Cokes, Two chocolate chip sea salt cookies and a Hambo... Over good conversation it was a perfect evening after a long day. Jenni and I bantered back and forth catching up on life, activities, crushes, random stories and our new favorite music. I look at her like my little sister (even though she’s older) I love that girl and watch out for her just as I know she does for me, she’s one of those soul friends you know where you call them and you meet, no questions asked, they just come by pick you up and take you away for a moment, getting your feet back on the ground and your head on straight. She tells it like it is, whether I like it or not and for the most part she gets it. And in my book friendship like that is a Victory in itself... now that’s ironic ;)

Today:
Song: The Lumineers - Oh Hey
Quote of the day: “It’s a long way to wisdom but a short one to being ignored.”
Fav food consumed today: Victory - Hambo & Choc Chip Cookies
Craving: Mini Corn Dogs
Drinking: Jack N Coke Slushies
Random fact: I use to hate Whiskey but then one day I had a sinus infection and as NewYork girl had an art show next to Victory I sucked it up and had my first Jack N Coke slushie... not being able to taste it really, I drank a few and it must have soaked in because now I can’t get enough of the frozen goodness!

Day 14

Photo - Wackedout-Blackout




As my mini entourage and I arrived to the paint party we were stuck by the heat of the club. Once stepping through the door it was as if I hit a brick wall yet pushed through it for the music was tracing, the lights were neon, feeling intoxicated off the people and the room, every movement coming from the last. Smiling, jumping, paint flinging, screaming, laughing, ripped shirts, drinking, no shirts, sweating, moving, jumping, handprints, dancing, repeat.

I love how within the first 5 mins of me entering the club I was jumped on and taken to swim on the ground of paint. The paint parties are always fun, I feel high without being high. The party takes you over and I love it, I love being there and in the middle of the madness. I took almost 400 photos getting the crazy chaos. I did however get scared taking my camera into this party so I used an older model and left the external flash at home... only problem with the camera, it can’t focus in the dark so I have to shoot on manual focus and with being in the dark along with constant movement half or so of the photos come out blurry but in this case... which is why I over shoot and so worth it!

PS. Yes the whole backend of my camera got paint on it and the lens very minimal paint splatter = epic night, epic photos!


Today:
Song: Hyper Crush - Werk Me
Quote of the day: “Each day I am thankful for nights that turned into mornings, friends that turned into family. dreams that turned into reality and likes that turned into love.”
Fav food consumed today: Vortex - Cheddar Bites, Mini Corn dogs & Coronary Bypass
Craving: 4th Meal
Drinking: Vodka and Cran
Random fact: In college I once had paint dumped all over me, covering my naked body, I ran all over a canvas sliding and pressing myself all over it... the canvas was then cut in pieces and sewn together to form something else... FUN!

Day 13

Photo - Finding Happy



The 13th there is so much behind this number which is why I chose to do a self portrait or so called. A photo of a photo. Ever since I was a kid I loved photos, I got my first camera when I was 5 and my mom had to sit down and tell me “As much as we love the cats you cannot just take pictures of them and then get doubles made.” I got my polaroid camera when I was in middle school, I can’t remember if I got it as a birthday present or if I saved up and got it. All I know is when I did I loved it, one because it was green and two because I thought it made me cool. I would go through maybe 10 packs of film a year and took advantage of the instant process. In 2008 I heard polaroid was going to stop making their film...I freaked out and made a trip to Walmart I ended up buying just over $40 worth of film (4 boxes at the time, now valued at $50 a box) I went through 2 boxes real quick, thinking I could still find film somewhere and when I couldn’t, I told myself I could only use the remaining film for something special. Since 2008 I’ve moved about 8 to 9 times, lived in crazy situations yet I have always carried the film with me finding a fridge or cool dry place to leave it and I hate to admit but at one point I almost abandoned the film... but then thought to myself “don’t be stupid you’ve been holding onto this for so long and for a reason.” I’m glad I grabbed it.

In life all I want is happy... to be inspired, to be motivated, to be moved, to be enthralled with the world around me. I have spent a lot of my life trying to make others happy, to make others proud of me or the simple fact of I wanted them to like me so, do anything to make that happen. In doing so, I have made everyday fairytales happen, in fact on multiple occasions I have been referred to as the real Peter Pan. For, I wear rose colored glasses, my heart on my sleeve and have adventures at my feet yet in the end have been the one left standing alone looking back towards the real world. Which is why after the last time I put myself out there and got crushed like biscuit crumbs I said, I’m doing me.

For about a month in a half, I’ve put myself first, doing what I what, when I want, with who I want. Strangely I get nervous if I don’t reach out and spend time with my friends or the people that want to spend time with me but I also like liking myself and doing what feels right to me. I like meeting people and being in the moment and if you happen to be there then you are part of my day, part of my real life fairytale and in those moments of doing me, I will do whatever it is to make everything around me feel the same majestic feeling I do.

So, how does this tie together... well, in doing me and not looking for someone or something I’ve been graced by many but one in particular has been in the back of my mind, making me smile, making me happy. In the photo you will notice a note, I wrote it on the polaroid card that holds the films darkness, it reads “Today I took a photo... I’ve been holding onto the film for 5 years. I wanted to save it for something special... guess I found something. Thanks 4 making me smile.” So not only was this photo for this project because I find it to be special but I also find her to be. Who knows what’s to come or how the cards will play out. All I know is, is I want to surround myself w/ happy positive people who love life while appreciating me and for them, I will be constant I will be their Peter Pan and one day if they choose they can fly away w/ me to my Never NeverLand.

Today:
Song: Chairlift - Bruises
Quote of the day: “Creative minds are rarely tidy”
Fav food consumed today: Dave’s Famous Bleu - the Onion + Bacon and Provolone
Craving: Chocolate Milk
Drinking: Vodka & Cranberry
Random fact: My first film camera was a neon yellow ninja turtle whined and snap that I got at my 5th birthday party at Peter Piper Pizza.

Day 12

Photo - The Show Keeps On




Tonight A Scar invited me to see Best Coast and as much as I like them, I truly love Those Darlins! All day I looked forward to my evening w/ good people, good music and great food!

Before I even moved to Atlanta I would occasionally come to town to see a show and grab inspiration from the city. I remember the first time I went to Variety Playhouse, it was my senior year in college and my best friend, Marissa and I came to town to see Minus the Bear. We hopped in her awesomely beat up Passport and danced to B Spears and made ridiculous funny videos on the way. As we pulled into the city, the lights lit up the sky like a christmas tree and the feeling of excitement crept through me. We met up with a few of her friends and ate at Apre Diem in Midtown and then headed over to Little 5. It was pretty cold outside but once in the theater we made our way to the front where we started pealing off the layers of clothes as we jumped up and down feeling the music and snapping pictures.

Since that night I have been back more than a handful of times and every show has had its moments in which I will always remember or the lack there of ;) Anyway, all I know is, it’s not only a show you go to, it’s the whole experience the venue, the people, the music and for that I love Variety and going to shows.

Today:
Song: Best Coast - Boyfriend
Quote of the day: "No Standing... Only Dancing!"
Fav food consumed today: Vortex- Cheddar Bites and Plain Cheddar Burger
Craving: Popcorn
Drinking: Diet Coke
Random fact: My first CD I ever got was an Elvis Greatest Hits and my first concert was Hanson... Ohhhh MMMBop!

Day 11

Photo - Girls Rock



This has to be one of my favorite shoots of the year... For the past 3 summers I have taken 2 days out of my busy life to shoot Girls Rock Camp ATL. These kids are awesome and quite frankly I’m super jealous that I didn’t have this camp for myself as a kid. For a week girls aging from 8 to 16 come together and jam out, you don’t have to know how to use an instrument you get to learn, they form bands, band names, logos and write a song, at the end of the week they get on stage at Variety Playhouse and rock out to a crowd that eagerly awaits!

I love how these kids come together, how they take the world in... how they get to express themselves. Gay, straight it doesn’t matter they all hangout and make music and the importance of being a kid come to life! Most of these kids have rock n’ roll attitudes and others have that love to create something and as I take their photos I get a feeling of greatness. It is projects/jobs like this that make taking photos worth everything.

I hate that I can’t post them. I understand and know that they are kids but I love them because I truly feel some of the photos I take are the best ones I’ve ever shot. These kids breath life into the camera and are just as excited as I am and getting to know them and seeing that shine in their eyes is priceless. Hopefully I become a parent one day and if and when I do, I will find programs for my kids like this and push them to do whatever they’re excited about because you can’t sit on a couch and learn how to be you, you have to get up, get out and rock out whether it be off an instrument or with yourself!

Today:
Song: Rolling Stones - Gimme Shelter
Quote of the day: “Always be a first rate version of yourself instead of a second rate version of somebody else!” - Judy Garland
Fav food consumed today: Hotdog from my microwave NOM!
Craving: Sushi and fried rice
Drinking: Ice Aqua
Random fact: My Harmonica necklace that a lot of people comment on, I’ve actually had since I was about 5 years old! As a kid I had a lot of energy and my mom being a musician was picking up some items from the store, I of course was running all around and trying out every drum set and as any mom she couldn’t stand my ruckus so she told me I could have anything I wanted behind the counter as long as I didn’t move and was quite till it was time to go. I saw that necklace and shut up real fast, I would miss place it from time to time growing up but it has always found it’s way back!

Day 10

Photo - Cut N Paste




Today I had a rush of inspiration... I might have been exhausted from staying up late but there was something in the air... I ended up opening up over brunch, sharing some of my inner secrets and as I shared I was nervous, my palms got sweaty but I felt a lift as this beautiful soul didn’t get up or question... she just listened. At one point I said “ahhh, sorry, I talk to much.” she simply replied “well then I guess I listen to much.” and I liked that. It set my mood for the rest of the day. I wanted to create I wanted anything but to be in the sandwich shop but with the luck of the draw I had enough time to cut up some magazines and go over to CVS for a card to draw inside :)

I love that feeling of creative, where things and ideas come to you at a blink of an eye, where getting glue all over you and having scissors sitting next to you makes your day worthwhile. Most people think I only shoot photos but the truth is I’ve always carried a pen in my pocket, always clipped magazines and used glue sticks like they’re going out of style. I like getting my fingers dirty in paint and clay, I love using all kinds of mediums, even writing is a source of art... I once was showing my portfolio to a Master of art and they looked at me and said “So what do I call you?! A Renaissance Artist... I don’t see anything you don’t do.... you just have to figure out what you love most.” Truth is, I love so much I don’t know what I would choose if I only had to pick one. I guess, I just love the days where I sit down and get lost in my mind and let the creative come out, let my hands guide me and watch the beauty and magic come to life.

Being inspired is all I really ever look for so when it hits me in the face, I like to go with the flow... today was a very nice breath of fresh air and I hope that the ideas keep flowing because there is so much I want to do. So to everything and everyone that makes the creative flow through me, thank you, please continue.

Today:
Song: The Black Keys - Next Girl
Quote of the day: “Never get tired of doing little things for others because sometimes those little things occupy the biggest part of their heart.”
Fav food consumed today: West Egg - Pancakes & Cream Cheese, Bacon Omelet
Craving: Chocolate Chip Cookies right out of the oven
Drinking: Sprite Zero
Random fact: You know I have a crush on you if... I make you a mix tape with cover art and all... oh and the song Good Vibrations by the Beach Boys is on it.

Day 9

Photo - All Angles




Do you ever look up... Do you ever shift your perspective?! Have you ever walked into a room and have been there a million times and yet still find something new or different?!

In life, I feel most of us move at a pace of a 100 miles a min. There’s always something for us to do, something to see, somewhere to go and a lot of things get over looked. I mean really everyone wants the right now. What about the slowing down and taking the time to take things in... Look around you, what do you see?

Look at this photo, you might think its a concrete walk way but the image itself has been turned... they are actually walls. Throw you off a little?! I use to live in this building, everyday I would walk by and never take a second to glance up... Yet one day after getting off work I was exhausted it was right as the sun was going down and the sky was like sherbet, orange, pink and purple as I took it in I happened to look up, I found the view to be breathtaking. All the levels, the windows, the glass cube blocks and how the light changed the view. I must have stood there for 5 mins and I’m sure if anyone would have seen me staring up they would have thought I was as high as a kite... but I wasn’t. I think about this moment from time to time... a place that I knew, that I walked through everyday and it took a countless moment to notice.

I challenge you to take time to notice, to ask questions to get to know people, to know yourself and what you like and don’t like. And if you think you know, shift your angle and see if you can stretch yourself to find more than what meets the eye!

Today:
Song: Echo and the Bunnymen - The Killing Moon
Quote of the day: “In time, things will fall right into place.”
Fav food consumed today: Dave’s - Davey Dog w/Chili and Jalapenos
Craving: Noche’s Trailer Park Taco
Drinking: Ice Punch G2 Gaterade
Random fact: I am always out on the town, always finding something to get into and living the wild crazy life so my home is my sanctuary, my place where I throw my bags down at the door and stare into space to collect myself and have me time, I love living on cloud 9 but it’s also nice to get my feet on the ground.

Day 8

Photo - Church




Growing up my family stopped going to church when I was about 4, I thought Sunday’s were just another day for me to stay at home and try to find cartoons on our 5 channel TV (3 being televised church services) while my friends had to wake up, dress all pretty and not get to play till noon. In the summer my mom would drop my bother and I off at as many bible school camps as possible so she could have “Mom time” and we could learn the stories of Jesus, only thing my mind was always about the arts and crafts as well as all the snacks that I rarely remembered the real reason I was going to camp... To learn about God.

As I’ve told you before growing up was somewhat of a torment and at the age of 15 I came to a crossroads where I wanted to end it all. I didn’t see the happiness nor the point of going on when all I ever did was study, feel over work, barely a friend in reaching distance and the ever so absurdity of get teased. Did the world really need me? I questioned a lot of things and didn’t know where to turn and when I didn’t finish my math homework one night, I thought I was going to fail, and in my family, failing wasn’t an option. I was so tired of trying so hard and being so different, I wanted to be “normal” I wanted to be vanilla, to be like all the other kids not even knowing what their life was really like behind their closed doors. That’s when I voiced, I was over, my Dad got so angry that I one, didn’t want to go to school but also that I was giving up, I was being so irrational and defiant he grabbed me by the throat lifting me off the ground, I told him to do me a favor and help me end it... he dropped me to the floor with the look of disgust and I ran out of the house. I ended up in treatment for the first time and when I got out my best friend and neighbor showed up at my house.

I never had a relationship with God but that day Steve Man told me “Look, I know you don’t like church but just come with me one time and see if you like it, if not sleep in for all the other Sundays.” And being that he was one of the only guys who was my true friend, I gave it a chance. As I sat in church that day the lesson spoke to me, it was as if all things were pointed at me and someone patted my shoulders taking a weight off... I soon was a Chistian-ese kid finishing out high school only thing... I didn’t believe everything that was written because I don’t believe I am a walking sin for being gay. I guess the day I changed the way I though was the day I was asked to write down all my sins in the sand and let the waves take them away just as God forgives us (awesome idea) but when it came down for me to write that I loved women... I couldn’t do it, why is it wrong to love? I’ve known since I was 4 and nothing was going to change that. Didn’t/doesn’t God want me to be happy?! So as I moved on, I told myself yes, I believe there is a higher power but what I’m not sure.

In going to a Quaker school we took a different approach to learning, everything was open and equal, we learned all religions, I started to think maybe I could have my own set of rules that I would go by and as long as I didn’t break them, I was living the “good life” set by my own standards and morels. I don’t believe you have to sit in a church to be thankful for life or tell people your beliefs, force feeding is irritating to me, sharing when asked though is nice. I do sometimes miss the communion and the feeling of family from complete strangers so who know’s maybe I will be open to church every so often, for I know I'm blessed and that I do have people looking down on me.


Today:
Song: Dishwalla - Counting Blue Cars
Quote of the day: “A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its odd dimensions.”
Fav food consumed today: Noni’s Deli - Farfalle bolognese w/ meatballs & garlic toast
Craving: Banana Pudding
Drinking: Raspberry Lemonade
Random fact: Anytime I hear 90’s alternative music it brings me back to my dad on the weekends, we use to ride our bikes 3 miles to the Taco Bell or Wendy’s (I guess if we were gonna eat it we were gonna work for it) they always had some awesome song playing in the background as we would sit there eating and catching up on what we had done during the week.

Day 7

Photo - Pinch Me




Friday night after I got back from seeing Savages w/ K-Meow (which I now have to see any movie she chooses since that one was way more violent... I think we are going to the Katy Perry documentary ;) I went home to finish editing Sexacola photos. My upload finished around 5am when I had to be at Dave’s to start the day, I woke up around 9:30am w/ just enough time to tag the people I knew and jet out the door. I worked a double so when I got home around 8pm I checked my FB and this is what it looked like!

Taking photos and exciting people are what gets me going. I love seeing people enjoying what I put out there and how they respond to my work. I love that when explaining my my job I get to say, “Hi, I’m Loren, I take photos and make your creative ideas come true.” I mean growing up I was teased and ridiculed for being me... I could barely get kids to hangout with me let alone want to get to know me because I was the weird, different kid who spent way to much time in the art room and the basketball court. Looking back, of course I was gay but why did that have to hide the fact that I had Fabulous Amazing things to offer both as a friend and as a young artist in the works!

One time in middle school there was this attractive girl (physically) that I went to school with but the way she treated me and any other weird kid that walked the halls made her the most ugliest person I’d ever met. In fact, I once wrote her a letter and sent it to her house, I don’t remember everything that it said but I do remember writing, one day I’m going to be famous and I’m going to be on MTV. Truth is I’m not famous and I may never be on MTV and diffinately TRL, but the fact that I have and get to work with awesome people both famous and the everyday amazing is what excites me, that people look up to me and get excited about what I’m doing and what I’m posting makes everything worth it.

As a kid I wanted to be many things, most of all I wanted to be cool... I guess I’m living my dream :) (for a previous post on these thoughts click here)

Yes, kids are mean, their words and actions may sometime break our bones but mostly break our hearts and unfortunately it goes on no matter the age but in finding your skin and doing what you love, people will take notice and for that I will always keep pushing to do my best and to let the cool rush out my finger tips. So, to all the people who support me, look up to me and are a true friends I thank you and know because of you I push forward and will be greatness even if I’m not famous!

Today:
Song: Smashing Pumpkins - 1979
Quote of the day: “Be so good they can’t ignore you.”
Fav food consumed today: Dave’s - LoHo Special (Turkey, Salami, Japs, B Peppers, Let, Mayo, Mustard, Provolone & Ched Sammie)
Craving: Chicken Pot Pie
Drinking: Freezing H2o
Random fact: I set all my clocks 10 mins fast and I’m still always late... it’s called LoHo time

Day 6

Photo - Nostalgia




You know when you walk into a place it sometimes brings you somewhere else in your mind... The smell or a feeling can transform us, take us back to a time or place that we once knew. Well, every time I enter the staircase to my apt, my mind usually takes me to a beach house that my family vacationed to as a child.

I love going to the beach, I mean I grew up on one, but to vacation and stay right on the beach inches away from your toes in the sand, the sun kissing your face, falling asleep at night and waking up in the morning with the sound of waves coming through your window is one of the beautiful things life granted me two weeks out of the year growing up. As a kid I had a lot of stressful situations but the weeks we would stay at the beach all the pressures and fears would lift and I would truly get to be the kid that I wanted to be, happy.

Sandcastles, bodyboarding, endless seafood and cold cut sandwiches, beach umbrellas, water dunking fights w/ my brother, puzzles, putt putt golf and late night movies! I don’t remember everything during our family vacations in Sandbridge but two of my favorite memories usually come to mind when I step into the staircase, my first was when my mom, brother and I were eating ultra thin rolled up salami waiting on the stairs for my dad and rest of the family entourage to get there with the rental keys. My mom told us random made up stories, changing her voice and made faces, we laughed so hard as we sat there, in that moment I knew she truly loved the two of us. The other memory that comes to mind was when it started raining at the beach and after going to the movies all my brother and I wanted to do was go swimming, not wanting for us to go outside my dad brought our blow up pool inside and placed it in the kitchen, we got to splash around w/ all our cousins. I thought it was so amazing that we had an “indoor” pool. I mean most parents would say “tuff shit kid, watch tv or have another snack.” but not mine, “you want to swim?! Okay.” These weren’t any grand monuments, not situations which required a lot of money, these were moments of simple and true happiness that I love to look back on whenever I feel out of place because it makes me remember the world isn’t always a bad place. So everyday as I leave or come home I get a moment where I take a deep breath in and remember.


Today:
Song: Modest Mouse - Gravity Rides Everything
Quote of the day: “Dear Self, today you will Shine!”
Fav food consumed today: Victory Sandwich Bar - The Hambo, Choc chip cookie & Jn’C slushie
Craving: Fellini’s Salad
Drinking: Diet Coke
Random fact: Sometimes after a long exhausting or frustrating day or after shooting at the clubs, I sit in the parking lot of my apt and zone out to music or make up stories in my head while I sit in the car... weird maybe... but it brings me back down to earth.

Day 5

Yesterday was jammed packed from falling asleep on Jenni Penni’s floor to waking up on her couch and spending the first half of the day putting my life back together to working at Dave’s and having a photo meeting out in Buckhead, I was somewhat exhausted, yet I still had a question of doing something off the map.

See every now and then I get the itch to sing Karaoke and for awhile I had been going every Thursday to Camille’s to get my sing on, so after setting a lunch date earlier in the day I ended up calling pretty K-Rex to see what our plans were and since I felt like I hadn’t seen her in forever, we decided to take a detour and go get my craving fix of 90’s grunge and pop! I love acting a fool and not giving a care towards acting fun and free. I started off w/ Radiohead and then Lifehouse, Smashing Pumpkins, N’sync, and who knows what else. It was Rawr-tastic w/ a barely there crowd, a girl who just moved out of her boyfriend’s house after a messy breakup, my raspy voice and air instrument moves, we couldn’t have asked for a more dorkfest late night. I loved how K-Rex made me a double sided WonderClaw / TigerClaw (my karaoke name) sign out of our drink napkins and even though she didn’t get up and sing she for sure stole the room with her big ear to ear smile. It’s random moments of finding people who love the moment and what’s in front of them that makes life worthwhile. I love the random and the unknown, the sporadic, let’s go attitude. After singing my heart out I drove her home in which she had to play a game to see if she could put all my glasses on and without a problem she made it happen! So, I guess this day was about living in the moment and being the dork that you are, having fun and not worrying about who’s looking.

Today:
Song: Mumm-Ra - She’s got You High
Quote of the day: “WonderClaw”
Fav food consumed today: Varasano’s White pizza w/ Spinach, Pep, and Garlic!
Craving: A BIG bowl of ice cold Smart Start Cereal
Drinking: Cherry Vodka & Sprite
Random fact: My first ever karaoke song was La Bamba at Mary’okey the summer of 08’, I was running around EAV w/ A Scar when a fabulous conquistador told me I had to take his song because he was leaving and since I was monkey wasted, I jumped on board and rocked the song... making me a karaoke whore!

Day 4

Photo - Sparkle Sparkle



Crack, Bang BOOM!!! SPARKLE! That’s half of the sounds I heard yesterday. Originally I was suppose to raft down the Hooch but the night before thinking the raft was full and the scare of becoming a river zombie on the river’s busiest day of the year, I gave up my seat and headed to the pool with Little Engine, GC Swirl and later my Jenni Penni dropped by.

The 4th is always a weekend for BBQ’s, pools and spending time with the people who make you nostalgic. Every 4th that I spend near a pool soaking up the sun and getting a little crispy, I think of the Sandlot. Not only is it one of my favorite movies and has one of the best soundtracks I can think of but it was the movie that I knew I was in LOVE w/ women. (For my coming out story, click here). The scene that comes to mind though whenever it’s the fourth, is when they’re having their block party cookout firework extravaganza night game... I love how Smalls narrates over the grabbing of hot dogs and the game as the fireworks work their magic lighting up the sky so they could play their game “like they were in the big leagues”. I guess the 4th is a day of magic for it’s not just a day of freedom but the feeling of being free. Skip, hop, jump, kick!

Today:
Song: The Champs - Tequila
Quote of the day: “I've been coming here every summer of my adult life, and every summer there she is oiling and lotioning, lotioning and oiling... smiling. I can't take this no more!”
Fav food consumed today: Little Engine’s Portabella Egg Scramble
Craving: Chili Cheese Hot Dog w/ ketchup, mustard, jalapenos and hot sauce
Drinking: Malibu and Ginger
Random fact: I’m not a beer drinker... I like going to the festivals but I’ve tried, I’ve tasted, I can’t wrap my taste buds to enjoy, so I stick to liquor, champagne and the occasional glass of wine. So, if you only have beer to offer, I will find me some H2o!

Day 3

Photo - The Sound of Music



As I woke up I had a strange cloud around me... I wanted to get in the car and drive, I wanted to go, to leave the hustle and bustle of everything that was around me and SLOW the FUCK down... I thought where could I go? Nashville to see my aunt... Tybee to put my toes in the sand... Just get in the car, turn on my music and let it take me to where I think I should be... I’m off till Thursday at 3 so it could totally be feasible. Then I thought, no, I need to work on things and I just need a small adventure but after walking outside the heat struck me like walking into a brick wall so I went inside and told myself to FIND MY HAPPINESS, so I turned on my music.

That’s right, I had my very own dance party for one I put on my Oldies but Goodies playlist and danced around in my boxer briefs... I let loose tappin my feet, swingin my arms, singing at the top of my lungs and playin the air guitar! There’s just something about letting go that is so free... it’s like drinking a redbull, it gives you wings! It’s like no matter where you are or what you are doing, if you can get lost in a song and feel it in your soul... nothing else really matters in that moment, it’s as if everything else fades away and for about 3 to 5 mins it’s you and the sounds.

After my dance party, things flowed better and my attitude changed. I went on an adventure w/ Little Engine, we hopped around downtown and thankfully I didn’t melt like the wicked witch of the west. We then hit up the new park off Freedom where it started to thunderstorm and instead of running to the car we made a swift get away. I then met up w/ A Scar were we ate at HD1 and then had the music take us over at The Sound Table for my friend’s b-day. So, all in all, music saved my day, it got me out of my funk and into the world that I know and love. We can’t help but have those kind of days, but if we try real hard sometimes things just fall into place.

Today:
Song: Jimi Hendrix - All Along the Watchtower
Quote of the day: “Music gives a Soul to the universe, Wings to the mind, Flight to the imagination, and Life to everything.”
Fav food consumed today: HD1 Corn dogs w/ mustard sauce
Craving: Little Engine’s Portabella Egg Scramble
Drinking: G2 Fruit Punch + Berry Gaterade
Random fact: As a little kid my dad would put on old rock records, turn it up so the whole house was booming of song and we would dance around jumping on beds while kicking our feet high up in the air giggling till we had six packs!

Day 2

Photo - Dream



Dreams will be dreams or at least that’s what I’ve heard... The other week I dreamt I was watching the Titanic cross the water, I told myself that ship is going down, as I kayaked w/ humpback whales. I also dreamt that I was on a jet plane in a GQ all white suit and striped tee, talking business and having cocktails in the sky. I’ve also had those kind of dreams were it’s so real that you scare yourself to wake up, praying inside your dream that you are dreaming... yeah. I love dreams but they sometimes confuse me. Why do we dream?!

Last night I fell asleep the usual way (on top of my computer) I don’t know if it was random thoughts that I had before I fell asleep or a coincidence, I had two sets of dreams (or at least the ones I remember). The first: I was at a party w/ some new people that I recently met, we were dancing in a huge crowd at first, then it zoomed in on us and everyone else fell away, slow motion and then real fast paced, darkness and neon all around us, laughing and smiling real big and random flashes of light as if our photos were being taken. I woke up at 6am feeling energized and uplifted as well as a little intoxicated (even though I didn’t drink yesterday). I ended up falling back asleep around 9am and that’s when I dreamt of someone that I use to know, I had fallen in love w/ someone a few years back but always kept it to myself, even though when I looked into her eyes I’m sure she knew. It was this dream that jolted me awake for I also forgot to set an alarm and thought I would be late to work. My heart was racing, I had the jitters and the thought of what could have been lingered in my mind. For the thought of maybe I would have been something you'd be good at and maybe you would have been something I'd be good at, but all in all I guess we will never know. However, I do know that the people we think we want in our lives and aren’t able to have physically in front of us, we can have them at least in our dreams. So that’s were I will meet random beauty, for I love how dreams are random thoughts of our inner self, reminders of that even when we thought we let someone or something go, our minds haven’t...


Today:
Song: Tegan & Sara - Call It Off
Quote of the day: “I wanna write “I miss you” on a rock and throw it at your face so you know how much it hurts to miss you.”
Fav food consumed today: Noche $2 taco night - Trailer Park and Marinated Steak
Craving: Orange Creme Float
Drinking: Chocolate Milk
Random Fact: In 7th grade I met a girl on vacation and pretended I was a boy from the age of 12 till the age of 18, we wrote each other letters and aimed for 6 years till I got enough nerve to tell her the truth. Because of her, I learned how to talk to girls and that fairytales can be possible even if they don’t end happily ever after.

Day 1

Photo - Bare All

Today is the start of it all and what better way to start but to “Bare it all”. I’m super excited to be doing a new project and this morning as I checked the space for the show it surged me into an all out inspiration spiral! Ideas raced through me as fast as a heartbeat running a marathon! I get a majestic feeling when I get the chance to do something great, where I have the chance to not only make myself tick but to hand over the torch of inspiration to on-lookers!

So in baring all I figure I should tell you a little about my fun loving-self I was born in Kentucky, grew up in Virginia Beach, I went to Savannah for college where I went to SCAD and graduated in the winter of 08/09 w/ a BFA in Graphics. I then moved to ATL where I now live and thrive as Sandwich Artist, Designer, Photographer, One KickAss LoHo!

My parents are still happily married and I have a 23 year old brother named Wyatt. I have a Black Vampire kitty named Squinz (after the Sandlot) he's kind of like a dog and is the coolest thing since the ABC's. I like vintage anything. I live to collect hot sunglasses, cool watches & old school music machines. I love going to museums and reading books. I dance like no one's watching and said to have really good air instrument skills ;) I'm laid back & go w/ the flow but a driven individual. I love what I do & am viewed sometimes as a workaholic but I know when to take a step back & spend time w/ friends & the people in my life. I wish I slept more but let’s face it... that’s not happening anytime soon...

I live and breath Art I am forever on the computer getting my fix on Facebook and Pinterest. I always with a camera in reaching distance. I document my life, (which is why I’m doing this project) some might find that weird, yet, I find it to be just another way of remembering where I've been and who i've met! I also love being spontaneous and going on grand adventures... indoor, outdoor or around the corner and through the woods! Let's go scream from the rooftops and swim in random pools!!!

Throughout this process I plan on giving you some everyday facts on me and what I’m up to! My friends and family are my life, I will be using nicknames as I talk about them but I can’t stray away from them. And since 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!!!


Today:
Song: Stars - My Favorite Book
Quote of the day: "I don't wake up in the morning and wonder what's for breakfast. I wonder, what's for life!"
Fav food consumed today: Shrimp Cocktail
Craving: Granola in vanilla yogurt w/ raspberries
Drinking: Freezing cold h2o
Random Fact: In high school I use to rent a 4 person bike and ride up and down the boardwalk asking: “Hey pretty girl, you want a ride?!”

30 Days 30 Photos

SNAP CLICK POP!




Yes, that's right, I am getting started on a new project and I am using not only a camera but social media to get out there and make it a little more exciting!

My last show was in October and I've got the itch to do something, yet again. After brainstorming with Naki Sake a thought grew into an idea and that idea grew into drive and now I'm making it come to life!

I have 30 days to take 30 photos, anything and everything is open, I will be taking everything from what I see, who I'm with, or where I'm at to show the beauty and world around me in which I live. The photos that I post on here and Facebook will only be a fragment of the actual photo that will be fully shown on July 31st at CRU Urban Lounge (off Glen Iris). So if you like a piece, come for the whole pie and save the date for that Tues night!

Through this blog I will be posting my favorite things that I have encountered through the day as well as feelings or thoughts that may come to mind. For 30 days my life will be up and out there for you to see, I am giving you the fun-fabulous LoHo as well as Loren. I hope you enjoy and get inspired!

-L