The Moldy Doily

What happens at the lake, Stays at the lake

This had been an incredible week!  Our dear friends (formerly from Olympia WA) now living in Eugene OR,  Jordan and Nathalie have come to stay with us.  They arrived here on Cinco de Mayo, which also happened to be the day we closed on our house!  3 Great reasons to celebrate, we officially own our dream house, we have good pals visiting, and it's the day of mucho margaritas.  

Justin made us amazing margarita cocktails from fresh clementine juice, limes, honey, hot peppers and BITTER TEARS Lucile flavored bitters.  

damn sideways upload, apologies for too many of these cocktails.  We ate BBQ from the grill, big salads and corn and sat outside.  We also hiked the 2.5 miles around the neighborhood and then watched the sunset.  Later we played Madlibs and laughed about how much we have become "old" people.  That's how you know you enjoy people's company.  When it doesn't matter what you do as long as you are sitting doing it together.  We also huddled around my laptop and watched youtube videos and things on "the Onion".  Georgie Boy felt semi left out by the adult festivities and decided to try and get drunk 

Today we ventured to BIG BEAR Lake so that the men could impress us with their Trout fishing skills.  They bought a pole, real worms and other manly accessories.  We decided to give them a few hours to accomplish this (we made a few bets on the outcome)

Nathalie and I set off to explore the towns Antique shops.  We came across some pretty "crafty" shops.  Carved bears in tree trunks proved quite popular.  Most of them were sort of terrifying

 

I should've prefaced this blog post by saying that when you drive to Big Bear taking the old dirt roads from the desert...it feels like one of those old 70's horror films. You know the ones where a group of city kids go to a lawless place and almost all of them get killed or one of those Sci-Fi channel ones where a giant Yeti runs out and attacks the car.  Anyway, nothing prepared Nathalie and I for this antique shop which boasted rooms of treasures.  It was like that old scary movie the "Wax Museum".  We imagined tourists come and then end up becoming a part of the scenery.

The kid below was riding on the back of the wagon, and was carrying a rifle and missing a hand.

I told Nathalie that something about this place reminded me of those moments in an old scary movie where the final victim enters a room and sees the horror of all the terrifying things at once (like Halloween- when Jamie Lee Curtis walks in and sees her friends dead)  Each room was getting scarier than the last.  At the top of the stairs the banjo theme song from deliverance was in my head.  We also heard a guy at the counter say...is my knife still here on the counter?" The piece de resistance was when we walked into a fake kitchen room to find this...

We came back to find the boys without trout.  Every other fisherman on the bridge had caught something.  We didn't want them to feel to disappointed so we bought them this in town...

Tomorrow the guys are going back to get revenge on the Lake.  The ladies have decided to stay here in Yucca Valley where the shopping is safe.

the need to LET GO

There have been incredible changes in my life the past few months.  Not only have I moved to a serene desert hideaway, but I've been finding cool art supplies, organizing my new work space, hanging with good friends and nesting.  I recently found a fab thrift store in Palm Springs and stocked up on lots of craft books, weird cat books, healing books and home improvement manuals.  One of the books I found titled "You Can Heal Your Life" mentions that you have to LET GO/forgive in order to heal yourself and move on to more exciting things.  This mantra has been one of mine since I first opened my clothing boutique Show Pony in 2000.  I used to always remind myself to "Let Go" , go with the flow, don't take everything so serious, lighten up, be happy.  I even made some t-shirts with this mantra back in 2002.

 This book goes into detail about how harmful it can be to hang on to old regrets, anger, grief, betrayal, toxic friends, cheaters etc... I believe in that theory, and I have always believed what you put out into the world you get back.  I think that negative relationships have an effect on us.  Although it can often be hard to abandon old ways of doing things, I think it's important to believe in yourself and keep moving forward.  Since I have been on vacation from work, I have taken a lot of time to think about what really matters to me.  I've tried to be more aware and appreciative of the people that are important to me, and what truly makes me happy. These days are always going to be precious to me, when I look back.  Such a magical feeling out here.  We are sleeping in, playing with the cats, making changes to this place, and enjoying meals outside at our big table.This has been a heavenly year.  I love my life.  This May 15th it will be a whole year that my hubby and I have been married!  I am amazed and grateful for the great friends that we have, the incredible job that I LOVE, and this home that (as of today) we officially OWN!  Sometimes you have to trust that you know what you really need.  You have to be able to let go of things that no longer suit you and make some space for good things and new stuff to come in.

Don't forget tonight is the new moon in Taurus!  Which means you should make your move towards what you want out of life... Check out my friend MARCELLA's BLOG for more details

Another plus to living in the hi-desert is that you can wear pretty much anything...including weird caftans.  The weather up here has been breezy and warm.  I suppose since we are so high up it hasn't been that hot yet.   

land of the lost and good friends

One of my oldest friends came to visit us!  She was in town for Coachella/work trip, and drove in to see our place, make us pasta and drink beer on the porch.  We've been pals since the 2nd grade Catholic school days.  She was not prepared for my Hubby's 2 mile hikes around the neighborhood.  The landscape out here is pretty surreal, and the sunsets have been EPIC!  Tonight is also a full moon, and let me tell you this one looks MASSIVE out here hanging in the sky.  Justin just showed me a new app for the i-phone called StarWalk which is super cool...you can walk around pointing the phone toward the sky and it tells you where the zodiac signs are, the constellations and the planets.  

ooops sideways?

Save the day

Most of you old time Doily readers will remember my oldest Los Angeles pal Justin "D.J. Kutmah" McNulty.  He has been in my life from the early art days of eating potato chips for dinner and budget cars.  He has recently been placed in a holding cell awaiting deportation.  I can't believe this is happening to him.  He is not only like my brother, he is a creative force in this community.  His music and art have been a huge inspiration for so many people. His whole story is listed at this link, and info for donating to the cause is also listed  HERE! Please read it! The update is HERE

This JUNE 3rd, a benefit is being held at the Echoplex: if you can't attend please send a paypal donation to the Hit/n/Run fund for him  [email protected]

 

 
 

 

This was our first funny photoshoot (our pal Derin shot us as a carnival couple)
 
 
 I first met Justin in 1998 when he was working as the manager at Jet Rag Vintage shop on La Brea.  We formed a friendship because I constantly put clothes on hold that I never came back and bought.  In late 98 he came and applied for a job at Wasteland where I was working. We immediately became great pals and hung out everyday running around the city taking photos, watching David Lynch movies, making silkscreens, thrifting and eating really bad food (like donuts).  He has helped me through countless breakups, breakdowns and disasters.  He has carried me when I couldn't walk.  He had my back in all situations and saved me from numerous jams (broken down cars, house sitting, caregiver when I had my tumor surgery etc...)  We once figured out our astrological charts and realized that we were completely opposite each other on the zodiac chart.  Ying and yang creative friendship force!  When he freaks out, I am calm and vice versa.  The kid is a genius, I adore him and can't imagine my life here without seeing him.  It literally breaks my heart in a million pieces. And since the case was denied being reopened, he will inevitably be forced to go back to a country that he hasn't lived in since he was 11, where he has no connections or home.  I beg that you come to this event if you can, or please donate to his paypal acct to help him have some money to get his life started.  He has been stuck in that holding cell in a room with a bunch of other men since I was home in Ohio. That is almost a whole month.  Its almost to much for me to process, and I have been crying a lot thinking about his situation.  I was holding out hope for the case to get overturned, but since that has been ruled out, the only thing I can do is make sure he gets back on his feet.  He survived his entire house burning down in 2007, and I wrote this POST  about how lucky I felt that he was alive.  The firefighters couldn't believe he made it out in time 

 
 
 
 
   

   

Georgie's first love
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

 

old doily blog posts: kutmahs new ride 

Kutmah's ART
 

The Perfect Get-away

There is something hypnotizing about the desert air. I swear its one of the only places where my entire insides melt, and relax.  Leaving L.A. and venturing only 2 hours away to experience pure bliss makes me lucky.  The weather was perfect, warm and enveloping dry heat.    This was the first time for my friend Danielle (she came all the way from Ohio!)  We forgot to bring all of  our board games and entertainment, and yet still managed to have a blast.  From ghost adventures in the dark backyard of our adobe (Justin swore he witnessed a floating head- I mean white owl flutter by) to creating home made mad libs and watching our pals put together a puzzle.  It was the perfect place to eat the wedding left overs and drink wine.

 Originally we were supposed to get married at 29 Palms Inn, my favorite desert get away spot.  I love Irene's Adobe so much, and the yard is truly magical.  Wild flowers and cactus galore, and unique furniture and tiles inside would've made a beautiful wedding setting.  My only reason for doing it in our backyard instead was that I knew we could get more friends to witness our vows at home.  The landscape out there is so faded and lovely that it would have made a wedding picture perfect...so trust me if anyone is better at planning a wedding escape out there- you should look into the 29 Palms inn.

 
 
 
 
   

 

 
   

 

 

 

Danielle (above) before her feather necklace was eaten by a horse in the desert.  That's right, it was swiped right off her neck and gobbled down...who knew hippie feathers made such a yummy snack?

 
 
 We never wanted to leave this place.  It was like we were on summer vacation for the first time.

 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 
   

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 The night time in Joshua Tree is incredible!  You can see a zillion stars in the sky and the air is windy and warm.  I think this picture above of Cynthia is my favorite that I took.  You know you have great friends when they are willing to go away to the middle of no place with you and hang out all night.  We scared ourselves by talking about spooky movies, creepy ghost stories and eventually were terrified to go to sleep.  Danielle ended up piling furniture against her door and tacking up a giant blanket so no one could spy on her.
 
 
     

 
 
 

The New Mrs.

How to get married in 48 hours or less...

 

 

 
 
 First of all, you have to just throw away all of the thoughts in your head that are saying..."it can't be done in two days".  And then relax and just go for it.  Here's how it all went down for us, first we drove downtown to find a wedding band for him.  We walked around the jewelry district and ate cafeteria style at Cliftons.  Then I went to Golyester where my friend Laura works and tried on lots and lots of dresses.  I found a pretty 1930's lace dress with potential and bought it.  I found Justin a spring grey jacket (he wanted to wear his shorts).  We drove to East L.A. to get the marriage license.  That was probably the hardest part of the process, and took 2 hours.  

Lucky for me, I have amazing friends & family who are super talented in sewing/designing, floral arranging, catering, BBQing, decorating, and planning a party within 24 hours!  The cake above was from local bakery Delilah's, RED VELVET with exotic wild flowers that Fran stuck on top

here I am the night before getting the dress fitted!

 

 here's the PRE- wedding pictures- (the early re-designing the dress stages)  My friend Danielle and I went down to my friend Niki's studio, where the original dress was cut up and some FLAIR was added.  Niki and I originally started the Show Pony together out of our messy apartments...and 10 years ago we used to sew clothes on ourselves and wear them for funny photo shoots.

 
   

this picture above was captured right before niki and I shared a teary eyed- John Hughes wedding moment.  There was this exciting moment where we both felt like we knew someday we would be doing this, working on a dress together again.

 

my pal Laura Kranitz made me an awesome headpiece to wear to the wedding 
   

I ran off to the Eagle Rock Macys to snag a pair of sparkly silver shoes (don't ask me why...just had one hour before the ceremony to find something for my feet!)

 
 

With hardly any time to spare we told our friends who live nearby to swing by if they wanted to witness our vows at 5!  Our friend Jeaneen's mother drove in to officiate the ceremony.  

 

 

   

the VOWS: click on image to watch them (only took 10 minutes )

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

 signing the important papers to become the new MRS. H!  Sweet 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

Tossing the bouquet!  My friend Kathryn caught it (after the second try, cause my first throw landed in the rose bushes)

 

 
 
   

 

the groom made a batch of his special BBQ ribs, which were a huge HIT!  They vanished in no time at all
 
 
 

Cutting the CAKE!

 

click on image to watch the cake cutting LIVE

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
   

I couldn't have asked for a magical amazing wedding day.  The entire thing was completely stress free.  My friends helped make food, arrange flowers, and even apply some makeup on me.  Almost every aspect was natural and effortlessly easy.  My only regret would be that I didn't have some of my favorite people in attendance...like family and my best guy friend Kutmah (who has been dealing with an awful deportation drama)  It took all my strength to not break down into tears at the alter when the minister mentioned taking a moment of silence for all the people who have passed or are unable to be with us on our special day.  Justin (Kutmah) McNulty is my oldest pal here in L.A. and he's like a brother to me.  We all gave him a toast.  

So it's official, I am a married woman!  It's been so nice becoming part of a team.I promise to share some of the pics from our adventure out to Joshua Tree next.  

 
 

another milestone

It's hard to imagine that so many years have come and gone.  The time just flies by faster and faster as we get older.  Today my dear childhood friend would have reached that milestone birthday.  Perhaps we would've shared a funny joke about it on "facebook" or talked for hours on the phone to catch up.  This morning as I am about to gather my stuff together to speak in front of a room full of people I am going to try and harness the bravery and confidence that she always had, and take that feeling with me.  I think sometimes in life we are drawn to people because they are something that we are not, or can say the things we wish we could say.  I know that she amazed me with her daring ideas and loyalty.  I miss her, and realize that my blog has been around to see four more years pass. Happy Birthday Cindy

snake cake and more glitter eyes

 

 
 Guess who turned a whole new age?  That's right...Annakim Violette. Seems like every year her birthday makeup tops the year before.  So many festive faces and gypsy gowns  have been documented here over the years.  This year her birthday was a lovely rainy winter day.  Tons of friends came out to wish her well -as she psychedelically transports into another year older.  She had a snake cake and lots of treats.  Bummer for me it was on a Sunday- which is now a Work night for me- considering I often have to wake up at the break of dawn (yes folks- it is usually still dark when I am getting ready)  

 

WANDIE!
 

 
 
 

Heartstring Symphony singer- Heather Porcaro and her fiance!
 
 
 
 
 
 when we got home we were both super tired and loopy and took these funny hair pics

 It's almost T.V. land break time soon.  Then we are on to visiting our families for a bit, going to HAWAII!  WOW we are getting MARRIED soon!  Lots of stuff to plan and do before then.  

this SATURDAY, put your finger on the button...

Come to New Image ARt Gallery this saturday and observe the ladies-check out the details here

 
 Above is photographer Alex Prager's work- I really love her images- 

below is Deanna Templeton's work

 Taylor Brittenham photo below:

 Jeaneen framed this print of me (back in my more "sexy" days) ha ha.  

 
 

shimmy

 
 They say often that two people who have never met, in different parts of the world...can be making the same things or inspired by the same creative impulses.  I discovered this girl's goods today on Etsy and was surprised that she creates things much like my good pal Laura Kranitz .  I like the use of layered colors and these belted corset wraps.  You can find more of these items HERE

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

SCORPIO Rising

Last night I dragged my pal Niki out for a wild party in the Penthouse Suite of the Roosevelt Hotel.  The fab birthday invite was for 90210 cast member Jessica who plays Adrianna on the show.  Her 21st party theme was "Lingerie" Moulin Rouge and boasted magicians, can can dancers, tarot reader, photo booth room and real monkeys!  How could I pass all that up?  I went over to Niki's beforehand (costumes galore) and we applied a million layers of eyeshadow and hair spray.  I can't believe she still has all of these weird Doily neckpieces that I made for her in 1999!!  That Doily love goes way way back folks.  Check out her cute new hats she made that we wore!

 

The super sexy Birthday Girl!  

Take note that I did not bring my boyfriend to this party.  Do you think I'm crazy?  That would be like inviting your boyfriend to attend a Victoria's Secret fashion show.  

The monkey was a bit excited about our hats and of course niki's curly hair.  We also witnessed the monkey drink up a spilled cocktail right before this, which may or may not have contributed to his devilish behavior.  

Michael looked amazing in his dandy Moulin Rouge gear- the monkey was the perfect accessory 

Annalynne and her little sister Rachel were covered in peacock feathers and looked straight out of a sexy saloon.

 

Matt and Jeff look like they are straight out of a time machine, circa the 20's




I know I am a total dork when it comes to amazing lighting and dreamy colors but hey...I'm an artist.  I thought all of these pics without flashes looked sort of old timey.  

The view from the roof of the Roosevelt was incredible, Mann's Chinese Theatre far below

 

"Annie" and Annie Hall (Alissa)


 

Gillian looked so amazing in her white dress on the roof with the neon 
 

There are so many scorpio ladies in the 90210 clan.  Shenae, Gillian, Jessica S, Jess L!






 

Rumer and I had on almost matching Flapper ensembles




Hayden P from Heroes was wearing a rad Valley Girl outfit (she had gone to an 80's party earlier) I snapped this cute pic of her grabbing a cupcake for the road, which her pal swiftly snatched away

my pal James "Rockwell" was there to perform with his band the 87 Stick up kids.  here he is below with um...I don't know...

 

Fantastic way to end an evening...giant cupcakes to go.

the next morning I was so happy that I cancelled selling at the ROSE Bowl.  
That would've been a rough wakeup following such a late night.  Instead I woke up to my new visualization wall (tons of pics of happy houses and gorgeous rooms) And of course one of my boyfriend's weird lizard socks

Hesher and Crazy Girl

Halloween has always been my favorite Holiday.  I suppose it has something to do with my birthday falling days before...or the fact that I love the smell of Fall, colorful leaves, pumpkins, ghosts, creepy movies, costumes, makeup- shall I go on?

I spent most of my child hood birthdays attending haunted houses, with groups of screaming  girls being dragged by my father through dark halls of chainsaw wielding madmen.  There is something about dressing up in all the clothes and wigs and accessories (like capes and such)that you can't wear all the time, and going out in public that makes me happy. It's funny how all that weird stuff is a uniform I'd wear everyday.

The best Halloween costumes are the ones you find in the kitchen (notice shark pot holder) and add a hesher heavy metal wig and DONE!  I opted for putting on every single one of my bracelets and applying all of the shades of Urban Decay eye shadow in my arsenal. Add some weird tropical jumper, striped tights and magenta platform boots- and you are WEIRDO freak from another planet

My friend Billie dressed up as a guy, well actually a creepy Chong type deadhead.  She was so good that no one noticed her at Chango Cafe.

 

 

 

we decided to hit up the local grocery store for snacks and steaks.  We bought some candy to play Monopoly with.  Wow, big night of gambling Reeses.  People were a little fearful of us in the aisles

 

 

 

another year, big changes

My sister sent me this card Wednesday...

inside she put this photo of me that she said is her favorite

This year has flown by.  I'm not sure if it's because I am working so many hours that the weeks are all a blur?  Whatever the culprit, this time vacuum has sucked the calendar into a spiral and I'm hoping to land safely on Spring.  Why Spring you may ask?  Well this is what I received on my birthday Wednesday from Mr. H

You can't really top that.  I am already dreaming of sunsets and beaches and the smell of coconut.

When I got to work earlier in the day, the Wardrobe Dept and show producer for 90210 sent me off some shopping missions.  I found out later they were merely stalling me from getting to the office to soon. They had balloons and pinatas and cupcakes galore waiting- AND a singing telegram.  That's right Richard Simmons in the fleshy reeking of baby powder and polyester.  thank god he wasn't a strip-o-gram. Here I am in the producer's office speechless

 

I scored the best gifts, a white hot waterproof TIMEX digital watch, Opening Ceremony turban and chloe Sevigny animal print gloves, Cowboy KATE photo book, FACE PAINT!, gift certificate for Palate (wine and cheese shop), MAd Libs, an art piece from the costume designer on the show and my co-worker Amy made me the most gorgeous shirt ever.  It looks like a lot of love hours were poured into it. 

At night my friends and I went over to the Edandale for drinks and cake.

 

 

TRICK Candles, DOH! took forever to get those suckers blown out at my age!

 

I have to say this has been the longest and fastest year all at once.  I have been living with my best friend/man (who lucky for me is my new partner/collaborator and handyman).  We have embarked on so many new projects and I've finally felt like all the hard work has been worth it!

Did I mention we came home to find this monster taking up the whole bed.  We bought a new bed this week after I read my Feng Sui book (buried in a huge pile of rubble)  And it said that our room set up was bad bad bad.  So we moved it all around til the energy agreed with us- and the cats of course.  The things you find under the bed in these situations is quite frankly creepy.  Pom Poms, checkered mismatched socks, dusty coated magazines.  

The weather here in L.A. has really felt like fall.  Since it truly is my favorite season, I am in heaven.  The winds have seemed especially eerie and their is a slight chill in the evening.  Perfect for carving pumpkins and ruining the Halloween comfort levels for all the ladies in L.A. who are stuck in that "sexy- everything" costume.  Seriously it's a riot, if you drive anyplace in L.A it's like a parade of costumes that have somehow become sex-Y-fied.  How bout a sexy nun? Sexy Scarecrow, sexy banana, you get the picture...  Below is my friend Genovieve who spent the day at Lucas salon getting her hair into a Marie Antoinette feather Bun.  She looked incredible when she left, sexy but in a classy way

 

I spent some time darkening my eyebrows.  Contrary to most the ladies in L.A. I like em bushy and Groucho Marx like.

 

Here is my practice for Halloween- I spent my night trying on the new
Urban Decay makeup shadows that they sent me! So much fun. Wish I could make my face up like this all the time.  I can't believe how cool all of their new colors are. I felt like someone from one of my paintings.  That shimmer sparkle midnight cowboy is my favorite.  I swear these pictures are proof that I need more practice

Did I mention that my second favorite Birthday gift was walking by the 90210 lobby on wednesday...a room of women auditioning for the role of Ivy's Mom (bohemian girl)  I had not anticipated the caliber of incredible actresses that would be lining the halls that afternoon.  And then the best of the best- may be landing the role- here's your HINT

SHE GOT THE PART!! WOOOHOOO

 

it's a nice day for a hot pink wedding

my friend Lorraine and her man Johnny got hitched this past Sunday at Golf & Stuff!  It was one of those crazy fun weddings that everyone has a good time at.  I was honored to make their invitation and place cards.  The crowd was asked to wear pink, or 60's lime green.  Since she herself is a stylist, most of her friends arrived in fantastic ensembles.  The D.J. played 60's and 70's unique versions of songs and the bride's entrance was the Monkees "Sleepy Jean"

After the vows and the huge sushi spread...guests could either dance the night away surrounded by cool theme park putt putt buildings or wander down and play free games of miniature golf.  

Although this pic does not do the "CUPCAKE TOWER" justice...those were by far hands down the best (most buttery sugary delicious) cupcakes  I have ever tasted. They also may have contributed to the shaky hands I had while putting and the dropping of my camera on hole 2.  Guaranteeing that no funny golf moments were documented.  No pics with the gypsy caravan, windmills, waterfalls, and mini mission.

Ok, so this is the place where my lovely LEICA camera hit the ground and broke!  That's right no more camera.  Hole #2 cursed me.  Not only did it take me almost 9 tries to even get the ball into that lil red creepy house...but my camera hit the pavement.  Which then sent me into one of my better OCD speeches.  Like "WHY" did I put it in that teeny tiny pocket in the first place, and how am I gonna blog now?  So if there was ever a moment you wanted to get some of my art and or vintage stuff- please look at my etsy  now and help jump start my camera fund.

On the plus side, true obsessive compulsive style...once the camera was shattered my game improved insanely.  I went from a par 8 to hole in one after hole in one.  It was like my lens focus broke and my brain focus was tripled.  I WON!! I was the winner of the night's game.

Ahhh- if only I could be that good in other sports.  

TAGGED!

I was tagged by Jess at a sunlit day  blog.  

The rules are:

1. Respond and rework. Answer the questions on your blog, replace one question you dislike with a question of your own invention; add a question of your own.
2. Tag eight other un-tagged people.

if I could transform one of my rooms I'd like to pick one from above
What is your current obsession?  hanging out day and night in my apt, & eating cuties
What do you see outside your window? palm trees, houses in the hills and sunny clouds

if you could have any super power what would it be?  To go back in time or read minds
What is your favorite color?  Robin egg blue
Who was the last person you hugged?  mr. H
which animal would you be?  um, well if I wanted the life of luxury I'd pick my own persian cat
What’s for dinner?  lentil salad with asian pears
What was the last thing you bought?  a pair of little bird paintings in joshua tree antique store
What are you listening to right now?  my cat purring in my lap
What is your favourite weather?  I love rain especially when it's warm and windy in the summer
What’s on your beside table? bell jars with plants and flowers
Say something to the person/s who tagged you.  "thanks, made my day to be chosen xo"
If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you want it to be?  maybe Barcelona or Paris
What is your favorite children's book?  Christina Katarina and the Box
A book you're currently reading?  Spaced Out: psychedelic spaces
What would you like to have in your hands right now? Maybe a purse full of cash

what is your favorite tea flavor?  ginger tea with lemon & honey!
What is your favorite article of clothing: My 1910 mirrored embroidered cape
What would you like to get rid of?  clutter
If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?  Tuscany
What did you want to become as a child? I used to want to be picasso
What posters/pictures do you have on your bedroom wall?  I have  a Chagall print of a painting, and some big vintage metal enamel flowers

What is your plan for tomorrow?  Big super sidewalk sale for Show Pony, then maybe to go see A Haunting in Connecticut 

-----------------------------------

I'm going to tag:

http://rebekahamelia.blogspot.com

http://thecatalyst.typepad.com/

http://www.dollybellespeepshow.typepad.com/

http://sarahstleger.blogspot.com/

http://skinnyglassesgirl.blogspot.com/

http://www.tarnishedlady.typepad.com/

http://minihoss.blogspot.com/

http://www.dinkydots.blogspot.com/

brunch

Last weekend I was invited to brunch at my friends new home!  She and her husband built an incredible modern glass house in the hills over here.  The yard goes on and on with multiple levels of lush greenery.  So many flowering plants and a gorgeous pepper tree.  The space is so relaxing and open.  Her husband is an artist, and designed branch like wood cut outs that adorn the roof top covered in glass.  I have always loved having family style brunch with bowls of fruit, pancakes and vases of fresh flowers.  It made me want to grow up & move someday...perhaps even aspire to garden.

Her darling son Dove helped show me around.  He's created hallway wall art throughout the place.  He also showed me how you can take a bowl and fill it with buckets of water and toss it on the bathroom rug.  After that he made the mistake of taking an heirloom bowl and dropping it on the ground to shatter it.  That didn't go over so well.  

Lucky for his parents I happened to show up for brunch with a bowl as a housewarming gift.  His mom said she would wait til he was 15 before putting it out on the coffee table.  He still has the face of an angel

here's a sideways image of the hallway glass ceiling decorated with her husbands artwork cutouts...

dear sweet valentine

Guess who wants to wish all of you moldy doilies a HAPPY VALENTINE'S Day? That's right lazy Georgie Boy, hopes that you sweethearts have a good one.  He suggests buying yourself a nice box of fancy dark chocolates, cuddling up in a warm blanket  and watching a movie.

I'm going to be attending my friend Nina's first annual HOLIDAY BALL!  That's right-a real ball with ladies and gents in luxurious frocks, dancing in a huge 1906 historical building ballroom.  It should be fun, her inspiration was Marie Antoinette.  I'll be sure to take lots of pictures so you can see all the creative dresses.  I'm excited because I heard the hotel is one of the most haunted- and that one of the ghosts that roams is the lonely soul of a heartbroken girl.  I also heard the man who originally owned the hotel  lost his daughter during the construction and had his daughter's face built onto all the scones.  Wow. spooky- following Friday the 13th and on Valentines day.  

 

Georgie Boy received a new live in pal this Valentine's Day.  It's taken about 4 days for the two to get officially acquainted but the love parade has finally set sail, just in time for Valentine's Day.  They are finally playing and passing in the hall without having a showdown or hissing fit.  The new pal is "Largent", who has definitely decided that he is the alpha male in this buddy combo.  If you have ever seen the movie "step brothers" with Will Ferrell, this experience has been a little like that. 

Largent is probably thinking, "oh great...I gotta share a food bowl with this fat furry beast?"

 

happy birthday sucker

Well, it's that bloody time of year again...miss violette's birthday.  this year she turns 2600 years old.  She called all bloody thirsty pals to her lair for a dance extravaganza.  Remember her last year's vampire ball? Look here 

for a link to that one too.  Anyway- cynthia made some bloody concoction for people's drinks that said "drink me" on the bottle. She later told me that it had some aphrodisiac in it, hmmmmmm.

The cake was from sweet lady jane and had a Henry Darger Vivian girl on top!

(previous annakim cakes have included Salvador Dali, unicorn heads...)

Wishing this glampire another FAB Year ahead!

(most pictures from this shindig by Taylor Brittenham- the first two are by annakim's pal ariana, and any that don't say taylor on them are by MISS LIZZIE! stolen from annakim's facebook page)

these next ones were from my take on the night...

becky stark of lavender diamond and Astrid of Winter Flowers

sandra!

Sonny and Eric

danielle and maximilla

GUY from Entrance in his new psychedelic coat

Bring it on 2009

the NYE party at the old BANK on main st. downtown dropped buckets of counterfeit cash on the crowd at midnight.  Too bad my landlord won't accept this.  We started our evening here watching the band Crystal Antlers play, followed by Ariel Pink and the Haunted Graffiti.  Kutmah was D.J. in between sets.  

Cynthia took one for the team and made out with the bartender so we could have free champagne.  What a pal

aaron and cynthia have a new year hug

anna and colby

the man of the event Brandy flower and his lovely lady

photographer with the photogenic powers

calling mark ruffalo to the dance floor.  I mean his young protege

nothing like a wild girl posse to lure in a young band mate on nye 

crystal antlers gets paid

kime kutmah combo

this t-shirt sums it up best

we headed to Mr. Weaver's place for the next tier of the evening.  Where we retreated to a nice cozy room

this is where taylor and I found some nice quiet nye time

the polyamorous affair

The rainbow love party of three

the two nice guys we met right before the night took a turn for the dark side. Of course they were midwesterners 

This is the point in the evening where we realized that the tires were slashed...this photo is right before the moment where cynthia is screaming that I have a new car that I need to take better care of and not ride on the rims with flats.  I think it may have been the champagne talking.  This is also the first gas station we stopped at. Minutes later we would be abandoning the car on the side of the road, in mini dresses and hopping in a cab.  I think that's when I started crying.  (Still unaware that I didn't have the keys to my apt, which I left in the car)

Hey, like I said before...it can only get better from here on out.

The rest of the details are a tad hazy.  Let's just say 2009 tried to kick my ass but I survived.

WE MADE IT!

I am at a loss for words folks.

I have no energy to download the pics from last night.  They are indeed evidence of a night gone terribly wrong.

let's just say I had the best of intentions this new year's eve.  I was going to throw all caution to the wind and seize the night.

The jarring pain in my stomach from not eating all day or night combined with the numerous varieties of champagne, plus the lack of sleep lately combined with...(did I mention the tires of my new car being slashed and having to pull over in a dark part of town with a mini mini dress on a 3:40?  Car unable to to be driven, losing my cell phone, forgetting my house keys in the car. Trying to break into my apt at 4:30.

I may need a day to get it together for this visual post.  

On the plus side:

We met some nice guys at a house party, (of course they were from the midwest) and we got to dance a little earlier in the night and have counterfeit money fall from the ceiling all around us.

On the  more PLUS side.

when you start your brand new year having the most obstacles , car trouble, sick to your stomach on the floor of your bathroom at 6 a.m.  There is really no where to go but UP.  So everything is on it's way to the land of awesome soon.

HAPPY NEW YEAR CUTIES!!

Hope you made out like bandits last night and had an amazing time whatever you did last night.  

XO

2 --0--0--9 I like the sound of that

Well, I had some remarkable response to my offer to send out glittery Xmas cards to the first 20 readers that sent me their address.  Who knew?  I actually had a nice list of over 30 in the first five hours.  

So needless to say I've had to cease the production.  I ran out of ladies to glitter and paint.  So those lucky readers who make the doily a habit, Congrats- your lady should be meeting you sometime in the beginning of 2009!

And speaking of 2009, what are you all going to be doing?  I tend to think that people fluctuate between two options.  You either A. ) spent the year before isolated at home or in the middle of no where with a t.v. or a board game or B.) Spent it surrounded by a bunch of strangers  & pals wondering if the party was better someplace else

Generally whatever you did the year before declares your desire to do the opposite the following year.  Since I spent my last New Years being ignored by my boyfriend at a fancy party, void of excitement- one would think perhaps I need a nice quiet new years get away, but alas... I am ripe for some lively danger.

I'd like nothing more than to run around town (my choice would be to have a driver) and hit all sorts of parties with pals, dance- potentially kiss random boys and disappear like Cinderella before it gets messy.

I plan on getting dressed up fancy and finding fun.

Perhaps I should score an outfit something like the following for the big night out?

this is the part of xmas day I don't remember...

Wow.

Start having a few rose infused cocktails at noon on a holiday, and everything is a little fuzzy.  Adding to the mystery of the day...a huge bruise on my leg,  writing on cynthia's stomach in marker that says "Fuck Christmas" and empty bags of potato chips and chocolates.  I wondered why the floor was so messy and sticky and wet, but then this evidence surfaced.  I know that showing these is perhaps not a great idea, but hey my weird holiday can serve as a lesson to all. 

on the plus side...

I do remember that I bought taylor a diamond ring

this is before it got really ugly

you gotta click on these for the entire picture!

even georgie was driven to drink after these shenanigans 

 

it seems that in this next pic I was using my fist as a nice micophone? hmm. Not sure why or what song provoked this.  Oh, maybe the old B52's Whammy record that is still on my turntable (clue number 3 in this equation)

cynthia didn't want to see anymore displays of xmas in the lobby

so she pushed that tree down hard

holiday

So, it's once again that time. And perhaps this coldness in L.A. is the closest thing to a Xmas feeling we're gonna get.  I've realized that I have neglected to post many many things lately.  Maybe it has something to do with my new cozy couch, my multiple projects that I am juggling and my "bad influence" friends.  

I realized that this is the first year that I have officially dropped the ball on the holidays.  No Xmas lights at the shop, no decor at the pad, no creative cards made for friends, not a single purchased gift. WOW.  I've surrendered to Scrooge or the Grinch.  Just know if I had the energy I'd be making you a lovely present, or painting you a sweet landscape.  Let's do a little backtrack to Thanksgiving, did I ever mention how nice it was? All of my friends orphaned came by. There was a ton of food and lot's of action in the room. Taylor took some great pictures while everyone was getting ready to feast.

look whose coming to dinner!

georgie was super stoked that we gave him turkey and giblets.

my pictures are sad in comparison to Taylor's take on the night...

I'm going to post pics from Miami next, so you can see all the cool art from the fairs.

Last year, my Thanksgiving was pure bliss.  Imagine a room of your best gal pals-all sorts of yummy foods, a t.v. playing "I love you to death", and no family nagging about why you don't have a real job.

So- what's a single girl to do, but try for round two.  I'm excited to have it this year at my new big table- surrounded by friends and  later movies on my new comfy couch!  

Growing up Thanksgiving was my least favorite holiday.  I suppose it's because I didn't like turkey or meat, or listening to my family fight about why the gravy tasted like nothing.  It's also the last holiday my family spent together before my parent's big "divorce". 

 The one after that was spent without my dad.  My mom and I wore our robes and my sister said it wasn't "traditional" or a "real" Thanksgiving if we didn't bother getting dressed up.  So she left and went to her boyfriends place.  My mom and I spent it alone.  She also let the turkey slip off the plate and into the dirty sink by accident.  We still ate it, while sitting on the couch watching t.v.

I have to say- I welcome the return to a relaxed holiday.

Stay tuned for the recap

Let's quickly get to the super duper update:

Halloween looked a little like this- me dressed as a pizza slice.  All of us going to the Edendale for a little night life

taylor as Brian Ferry (Roxy Music)

Justin as a caveman/Matador from the Pickup artist

Me being a cannibal.  Eating a slice at Garage Pizza

Fran had a rad costume.  She dressed up as a sexy gorilla, complete with french lingerie

Taylor had to remove the itchy wig in order to put up with the prison shank

check out the Feris Bueller and Marty McFly

E.T. phone home.  There were actually two Elliots at this party

Survived another Halloween party spree

The following week Annakim hosted a pre-election PEACE Pineapple PIZZA Party.  She has recently shaved her head and invited everyone over to soak up some good vibes.  Let Go 

Jubilee is always looking HOT!

part of the party was in honor of equality for everyone - and NO on prop 8! Everyone should be able to marry whom ever they choose.  So we decided to make a wish as a team and then feed eachother cake.  

Ok, so here is the birthday low down.  I awoke to a call from my dad wishing me a happy birthday.  Which quickly led to him saying I can't believe you still don't have kids, or a family.  Which quickly led to talk of politics and well, you can assume the screaming match that ensued.  That made me a little nauseous.  

Later some of my friends took me out for spicy Szechwan Chinese food, and then to a karaoke spot in little Tokyo.  I had pre-paid for the first hour, assuming we would maybe be there for about two hours.  Um, try 5 hours!  At about 3:15 the guy told us we HAD to go, and that we owed $350 bucks! yikes.

Taylor created this masterpiece with my new invention:the pizza hole.  I've already put a copyright on that gem of an idea.  Who doesn't desire a savory cheesy bite minus the dry crust.  

this is the incredible cake Fran decorated for me!

Travis sang "girl you'll be a woman soon" for my birthday.  Made me blush.

Later he and I did a duet version of Nine Inch Nails "Closer".  Um, that song may have impregnated the ears of all in the room.  It was a bit heavy for the crowd and the small room.  And set the night off in a sexual frenzied direction that may have been too much.

annakim came and killed "white rabbit".  She sang a version that sounded a little like Marlena Dietrich being smothered by Nico while skinning a live rabbit eaten by Ozzy .  It sort of had an exorcist appeal.

Fran and Mickey sang a dirty dancing duet that brought tears to some eyes

Taylor did the best version of Bjork!  She has the bruises on her knees to prove it

Britt (normally despises Karaoke) was bitten by the singing bug.  She was unstoppable after her first song.

Things started to get a little crazy when the Croatian model took his jacket off.  Then it seemed the lights got a little dimmer, more drinks were snuck in, and people started pairing off  (sort of like my 8th grade party)

I hope that whoever got pregnant from attending my party names their next of kin after me!

Taylor was invited to a costume party this past Saturday, and called me in a panic to see if I could be part of her costume.  Seems her last minute costume decision needed a cohort in crime.  So I had about an hour to channel Lohan to her Ronson.

We started off the evening checking out the new art show at SHOW CAVE!  IT was super rad- scary monsters and stuff.  The show is titled:

 CORN ON THE MACABRE

MATT FURIE / ALBERT REYES / AIYANA UDESEN / DATE FARMERS / SHANNON KELLER / SHIZU SALDAMONDO

then off to the party!  The haunted LAIR.  Check out mickey as the OWL

check out Britney coming to flirt with SAM.  She joked that they were "just friends".  At one point a K-Fed guy was seen in the kitchen, who I threatened I would hook up with if Britney didn't behave

this guy said he wasn't dressed up as mystery from the Vh1 show the pickup artist, HUH!?  What else are you dressed up as?  Dave Navarro? A Stone Temple Pilot?

a...yeah, that's the girl from 16 Candles

Lisa and Cynthia pretended to be the clipboard door girl for the exclusive green room.  Cynth was a supreme groupie.  Well actually she arrived at the party sans costume, because they came straight from an event

after the party we ended up at Garage pizza for late night slices.  It's our new favorite late night spot.

photos by :taylor brittenham

The other night, the ladies of the DELMORE apt building decided to show out on sunday in numbers. The band WE ARE THE WORLD (members former residents of the apt building) were playing.  For those who've never seen one of their shows- it involves a lot of costumes with insane dance choreography.  

After an all day sidewalk sale (involving some major trades and swaps) and a pre-birthday pedicure from Cynthia (notice my green toes closely)...We were looking for trouble.

Earlier in the day I snapped these of the trashy flappers in training:

look who got a new fancy camera- so she can go PRO

this shot was taken a few days before, after me and taylor forced the neighbor to watch an episode of Vh1's Pick-up artist.  (that show has me hooked- can't look away- like a car crash)  We then decided to apply some of "Mystery's" sure-fire pickup strategies on the crowd at the Cha Cha.  We showed up early and snagged a booth and then proceeded to creep out all the customers with our aggressive moves.  I ended up getting a Glendale Galleria type who asked for my number.  First he told me he liked art.  Especially Van Gogh, and his "night of stars" painting.  I told him I thought it was "starry night" he may be referring to.  Anyway, we successfully managed to max out my tab while discussing the many ways in the future we plan to scam money.  My new look?  Grifters all the way.  You can hide a lot of loot in a trench coat.

Rule number #1  You can't grift a grifter.  Or as my dad likes to say in Mr. Brady speak "you can't fool the fiddler"

we later looted this poor guy's Luxury scented Candle.  

I've been tagged by MELISSA GAGGIANO of emjietreasures

 to tell you"six little things about myself"

The rules of the game:
• Link to the person who tagged you.
• Mention the rules.
• Tell six quirky yet boring, unspectacular details about yourself.
• Tag six other bloggers by linking to them.
• Go to each person's blog and leave a comment that lets them know they've been tagged.

HERE GOES...

1.  If I was a boy my dad wanted to name me "Rocky Buzzelli"

2.  When I was around 8, I used to photograph my babysitter talking on the phone with her boyfriend and sneaking drinks out of my parents liquor cabinet and then attempt to blackmail her, so that I could stay up later and watch t.v

3.  I used to bake birthday cakes for John Taylor and Nick Rhodes and bring them to school on their birthdays

4.  I once made up a rollerskating street dance routine to the soundtrack from Xanadu, and would get super upset when neighbors would come home from work and interrupt my moves

5.  In High School my best friend and I were obsessed with James Dean.  We bought every book and watched his movies and joked that maybe we were necrophiliacs.

6.  Once while shopping at a Vintage Expo, Diane Keaton came up to me and said that she loved my outfit and that I had darling boots and style!  (In high school, I went through a very serious Annie Hall period, where I wore most of my father's clothes- lots of Pretty in pink vests -you get the picture)

AND NOW I tag the following BLOGGERS:

http://www.getoffthebus.typepad.com/

http://skinnyglassesgirl.blogspot.com/

http://sheturnsthepages.typepad.com/

http://lainbloom.blogspot.com/

http://thecatalyst.typepad.com/

http://www.subtletyinexcess.blogspot.com/

BEWARE and PREPARE...

this is the blur of activity I've handled the past few weeks: 1./ attended my pal Gitte's birthday, she's from Denmark and throws fun house parties. You may recall the one last year where we all ended up in the pool? And the naked guy fell on a cactus patch? here's me with my old roommate sarah cake she was wearing a latex bondage dress and decided that the pool seemed like a good idea she sort of started a movement towards diving in... when we asked Scheid to score some towels for us, he came back with one dirty kitchen rag about 18 inches long. speaking of Scheid, check out his doppelganger. Looks like Gloria may have some explaining to do try dancing while soaking wet. Pretty fun something about wearing a wet jumper makes me go kinda "whitesnake video" ok so then the following day it's off to Fran's new amazing apt and her BBQ can you believe Fran's good luck? She landed this incredible apartment, with fab tiles and sweet plant gardens after the BBQ we ended up singing karaoke with the bad boys of Han Cholo. We actually walked in to the place while they were singing the Outfield- "I just wanna use your love tonight" and here's Lincoln winning the entire crowd over with Sweet Caroline the next day (Labor Day) was the traditional (new annual) shoot 'em up holiday. Scheid called to tell me that we need to go to the LA GUN Club every Labor Day. Last year we went after a tough breakup. And this year after finding out that my hunch about my ex's infidelities were in fact true- what's a girl to do but go to a Gun Club and work it out. I know I never get too personal on this blog (the original intent was a blog on things that inspire creativity) but occasionally you have to release a bummer post where you reveal that you got taken for a ride by some sleazy director's smoke and mirrors. It's really very roman polanski meets woody allen but without all the talent and fame. fran is getting her gun on. She had pretty good aim. then it's on to last Friday- and the silkscreening event I participated in. It was pretty cool printing things for little kids check out my pal Amber's kid Angelo (in red & hat) with his cool posse frohawk gearing up for a screenprint afterwards we went up to the Hollywood Hills to D.J. and sing KAraoke video games these next ones are a dedication for mr. scheid (who I'm going to get at the airport tomorrow) who ever said a dog is a "man's best friend" Also this week we went to the NYLON 90210 party at the Roosevelt. It was kinda over the top. Lots of L.A people dying to get in. Cynthia and I watched while PAris Hilton got asked to have her picture taken with a bunch of people. It was sort of like she was the Grand Canyon like a scenic site or a wax figure that people just wanted to prove they visited. I felt bad for her really. Also in attendance- LC from the hills and Mk olsen- and lot of other super skinny minnies. Saturday night, we went over to Culver City to see the new Kyle Field show at Taylor de Cordoba gallery. It was amazing! And it seems that we may have discovered where some cute smart boys hang out. here's Fran listening to a rad painting/collage with sound then it was up to the NEW Show CAVE show in Echo Park. The whole space was filled to the brim with drawings and videos. A nice creepy angry art vibe. Considering that a crazy drive-by shooting took place the monday before- the scene was a bit edgy. Don Bowles from the Germs played music at the art show (and Nora Keyes sang lead) after that we went by the Hyperion Tavern...where we noticed that the men's bathroom had a nice peep hole for spying, or posing

I've been busy with my remodel/repainting in my apartment, but wanted to stop and say THANKS for all the sweet comments lately on the blog.  I've been receiving some nice feedback & meeting some new folks on the moldy doily.

I would also like to say thanks to all of you who came over to my comic book signing- in NYC, and L.A. and to those who ventured over to my art show in Chicago.  And of course another thanks to those who went out and bought the latest FLAUNT cover with my art on it!  Always nice to wake up and read responses to things posted.

XOXO

As soon as I get the place in order, I promise to start posting more things for sale on my website 

who you gonna call? My dear pal David Scheid has finally received the recognition he deserves as an all around "good guy" and tour manager extraordinaire. in his defense this photo was taken when I forced him to model one of my ebay ensembles The latest issue of FADER magazine features a sweet article about him and his righteous blog: wheres the hotel I like that both of our magazine issues are next to each other at circus of books. Side by side Flaunt and Fader. (while at the Farmer's market Fran and I noticed that my cover of Flaunt was sitting pretty next to James Franco's GQ issue) Anyway- if you haven't ever checked out his blog, crawl out from under that rock and do yourself a favor. He posts about his life on the road with bands, wicked rants on things misspelled, crazy news of the weird and shows pics of places you may never get to see. I like that he posts about things that would normally get someone in hot water with the boss. When his book on being a kick ass tour manager gets sold and made into a movie, the scandal meter is gonna go up. That's why I'm glad that I've known him since way before the GLORY, and have VHS footage of him as a young hot bleached blonde Bowie-like babe walking my 1st shop's fashion show- For a pretty penny you can own yourself a dubbed copy. Set your price and we can negotiate the details.

Guess who's back from TOUR? Miss cindy survived half the summer driving a band around. Probably the best cure for anyone who thinks a boy in a band is the way to go. We spent our Sat. night going to a party in Echo Park with our pal Ravi. He took most the pictures (tons and tons ) which I've chosen to edit. Afterwards we went to a late night Thai place til the wee hours of the night. Fran woke me up for the early farmer's market Sunday ritual. A mere 4 hours of sleep was all that was had. Check out the new pom pom flowers she scored. Later we ate a nice Chinese meal with her folks visiting from Oakland

My friend Annakim recently played dress up, and had her makeup done like a rainbow warrior. She also had the perfect outfit for the occasion...her brand new Alexander McQueen Butterfly print dress. She said although it cost and arm and a leg, she plans on wearing it to her colorful wedding. That's one wedding, btw, that I don't want to miss. The man that matches her palette is going to fly off the color chart. He will be one part nocturnal glampire, one part dandy, one part forest fairy, one part musician, and the rest pure animal- or snake?

Taylor holding up the book that David gave her, wise words from a man who has spent most every day on the road, with some band. The inside cover reads...(Whenever you need a reminder that it can always get worse) For those who may think that is negative thinking, alas, it is simply funny and entertaining.

A lot of my good friends are leaving for almost the entire summer! What gives? What am I gonna do when the jobs settle down and I have so much free time to kill? Who is gonna dance with me to bad music? And since when did everyone and their mother become involved in TOURING rock gigs anyhow? Geez. We threw a little send off party for David and Taylor. Both are going on the road. Miss Cynthia is already on the road til AUGUST!! I informed my friends about the Olsen Twins, and the celeb insider tip that whenever they are about to get photographed they supposedly say "PRUNE" Kinda looks exactly like them, huh? Maybe more Keira Knightly? We left the bar scene and headed to Sara CAKE's birthday party. She was wearing her signature Bias cut handmade evening gown with train. Which will probably be torn later in a doorway. the party was on a balcony, with a lovely cake and lots of trashy flappers Late LAte we ended up at a Diner eating cherry pie a la mode with sides of french fries. The good life.

Introducing the new Mrs Benjamin. The couple were married by her Daddy up in Mammoth with a heavenly view and dreamy snowflakes. That's right real SNOWflakes! It was incredible leaving L.A. and driving 7500 feet high up where the air is fresh and clear. We all stayed in a sweet cabin that was saddled up near a lake and tiny fishing boats. On the way down the mountain we ended up driving though a cute place called LONE PINE where we stopped for breakfast and to grab a few gem stone rare finds This little diner was closed, but it was shaped like a Merry Go Round Fran convinced me to buy these new Mystery Doritos. The gimmick is YOU gotta guess the flavor, and bag says..."that's only the beginning" Trust me (and my tongue) Yuck. If I could best describe, it was like a fruity burst of Buttermilk weirdness tingling your tastebuds. Oh by the way, the BEST BEEF JERKY stand was also a bust. The whole place was reminiscent of a Law and Order episode about to happen. I think that the sad chicken coup out back was a nice warning. Gaby liked that this pic made it seem like we had always hung out and drank coffee at this bar while watching Regis and Kelly. Sort of a Northern Exposure Twin Peaks sort of place

MATT and VIV: CONGRATS! They are not only getting married, but VIV is also pregnant with a baby BOY. The happy couple held their big Bridal shower at the lovely Moroccan 1920's Hotel Figueroa dowtown. It was lovely, and later this week they will be getting hitched officially near June Lake by her daddy. I think it will be fun hanging out in cabins with tiny boats and good friends. We couldn't help lounging in the sun drinking pretty cocktails and eating luscious desserts and exploring the amazing place. This is the same hotel I went on my 2nd date with Mr. P and also caught the wedding bouquet of my pal Donita. If you have never been to this gorgeous Hotel, you need to get over there this summer and hang out by the pool at least once! (I snagged a few of these from Viv's pics)

Don't tell a soul, but Mr. C.Glancy is officially a year older.
The man behind the Monument Snowboard deal, and photographer whiz had a birthday party (on a Monday night) that filled the BAR.

the evening involved some drinks, some dancing and meeting up with some old friends I haven't seen in a long time. Overall we learned two things that night, Glancy is popular, and The Bar seems to bring out the worst in Fran and I. Scheid was bummed that I didn't give him the head's up that Glancy was a fashion photographer. Cause where there's a photographer there has to be a gang of models.

Yesterday while working at the shop my friend Annakim called and invited me to the Troubadour to see her dad play. The show was going to mark the 30 year anniversary and reunion of his old band, and was set to be a big deal! As the sun was setting, we ladies climbed into her hybrid wagon of wares. (she has a stuffed taxidermy back there, a huge butterfly kite, a beaded dragon etc...) We were excited and the warm air outside was sort of perfectly magical.

mindy wearing a glitter jumpsuit and her new beaded shrimp necklace

the smaller venue was very cozy and seemed like the audience was filled with family and ultimate fans

we all danced wildly to the music, obviously annakim more so than others. She was gyrating enough to shake the balcony and screaming FREE BIRD at times.

for the record, you are not allowed to take pics at the shows nor have a camera. So that's why these are dark and sneaky

sweet picture of annakim all sweaty and childhood friend whose dad also played with her father. My mom is English and her favorite Beatle was George. She is going to swoon when she gets a look at how handsome his son is too.

the POWER of platinum blonde

The shows continue this week (6 in a row all SOLD OUT) pretty amazing. If you can still find a ticket it's worth it. Lots of pretty country psychedelic songs and witty between song banter. Plus some rad Dylan covers!

After the show we somehow ended up at Crazy Girls. Where you also are not permitted to take pics.

cherry bomb

annakim requested ACDC and proceeded to upstage some of the ladies at work. She said she would like to do an amateur night there. We made some fast friends and then headed off to the 101 Cafe for late night food

cruising the sunset strip on a friday night while blasting FLASH GORDON soundtrack, and ACDC

showing off my hippie angel sleeves after a long night

Last night was my old friend Ravi's birthday. We have been pals for a long time. His friend offered up his luxurious pad in the Hills to host a last minute dance party. So Cynthia and I fetched some records and we drove up to the land of the rich. The view was insane! Imagine a panoramic sky view of the entire lit up city, pushed up beyond the deep backyard and palm trees. The 60's style home had an entire glass window back, and a full stacked bar. Which will later bring up a few regrets.
The decor was beyond minimal. I may have to apprentice under this guy and see how it is possible to have a shelf with NOTHING on it. I mean, it that possible? Where does the mail go?

After dancing til about 2:30, we all ended up in the jacuzzi. Not sure how I was coerced in there, but glad I was. That lasted til about 4. *Also not recommended, unless you want to feel flush and dizzy.
Considering I had stopped eating at about 1 p.m. earlier that day, I was ready for some bed. But no, party time Cynthia and birthday boy begged "more dance party"

Here we go again. The double punch in the face

hot stuff

Scheid bores easy at these affairs. I found him staring out at the landscape, surrounded by tiki torches like an episode of SURVIVOR. he left before the crazy

this is where the party started. Do not judge us by this photo, if you were there, you too would have taken advantage of the hot tub on the hill dangling over the city scape. You may not have done high kicks in the water, (which I am forbidden from posting)

So then we all ended up on awesome patio furniture staring at the stars for some more hours. Enter the potato chips. At about 5:30, Fran begged us to leave, she had to wake up and cut someone's hair by 9 a.m. We crept down the Hollywood Hills toward home and ran into a few coyotes on the prowl. Did I mention that the sun was already coming up. Ouch, my head.
Georgie said I am grounded.

that's a.m.

My horoscope on Sunday said something about working way too hard lately and needing to socialize. It also mentioned that work could resume the next day, so stop being so hard on yourself.
So with that in mind...

my dear friends assisted me in many many joyful toasts and boxes of old 45's, and a nostalgia dance party that ended with Cynthia in the splits and me arriving back to my warm bed at 5:37 a.m.

these are my prized SOLID Gold boots that I scored in Miami when at the Art Basel. I promised myself if I sold some art I would buy them, for a mere $12 dollars SCORE

what other D.J. in town can take "You should hear how she talks about you" by Melissa Manchester and follow it up with the Thompson Twins, The Hooters, Rick Springfield and a New Edition breakdown? Did I mention the extended remixes by Howard Jones?

Weirdly enough the horoscope never mentioned that 6 intense hours of drinking,and dancing, diving onto your knees and spinning, and over 50 high David Lee Roth Kicks would result in sleeping til around 1 p.m. the following day.

P.S. the night ended with the entire Pretty in Pink Soundtrack. Nothing like a Smiths song to send you home

I spent most of my Easter Sunday working on art projects in my apartment. For those of you who don't already know...I am currently collaborating with VANS shoes on a line! It's a dream job working with cool women. The art/fashion collaboration will hit malls and shops nationwide in FALL 2009, and I am psyched. (is it obvious I've been hanging out with Scheid too many days in a row??)
Speaking of good pals, I'll be driving him to the airport at 5:30 a.m. tomorrow. Ouch

On Easter I met up for a coffee break with the ladies, Annakim in my favorite dress ever...

and her fab bedazzled snake bracelets

Miss K.K. also in her Easter dress best

and of course the lovely Fran

I took pics of myself wearing one of Miss Petrosa's DAISY necklaces- (note the circles under my eyes due to lack of sleep and long nights)

the 85 degree view from my firescape, sorry family in Ohio. It's been pleasantly warm here

Afterwards Cynthia, Fran, David and I headed to Monterey Park for spicy Szechwan fish.
I would regret this burning later.

Back to the drawing board

P.S. Did I mention that on Monday, the seeds I planted at the Equinox party started sprouting already?
That's right- my good fortune, creativity and LOVE are bursting

If you were still here, I would call you on the phone and wish you H A P P Y Birthday. You would tell me funny stories and make me laugh. We would wonder when we could meet up again, and hang out. And when we did you would lay out all of your fabulous new clothing finds and inform me of all the latest trends and music I need to buy.

Your adventurous spirit so much greater than most.
You had a way of making me do things I was afraid of trying.

I miss you pal. I will not forget your voice, the way you folded notes, the hundreds of letters and envelopes decorated with art and stickers addressed to me.
We shall meet again someday, and til then I live my life to the fullest because of you

Last night I attended an Equinox party for ladies only. That's right, SPRING has sprung and the Vernal Equinox (like the Autumnal Equinox) is a time of balance. These are the days we welcome the light and plant new seeds towards the magical things we want to manifest in the future. According to some legends this time also reflects upon the past and atoning for the mis-deeds of our previous year. Letting go of the things no longer useful or productive to our happiness. Viv and I brought along our good intentions and nestled in the backyard of her friend Eva. The trees dangled candle lanterns and the ground was strewn with pillows and blankets. I wish I had my camera on hand to capture the pretty scene.
We all sat around and wrote down the things we needed to let go of in order to secure our future good times. Remember this time is all about:
rebirth
renewal
resurrection
liberation
letting go
sacrifices
choices
responsibility for actions
--------------------------------------------
Sure it's all on the new age side, but aren't you ready to surrender to fate?
It was an exciting feeling watching everyone throw pieces of their past in a burning bucket. It honestly made me want to rush home and box up a lot of my silly clutter and donate it pronto.
According to our friend it's a great time for Spring Cleaning - emotionally and otherwise.

*I can't wait to share all of the exciting news and projects that I've been working on with all of you!

Change
Changes
Going backward in order to move forward.
I've had an out of body experience this weekend. Well, more like an emotional punch to the stomach. I can only say that whatever doesn't kill me is definitely gonna make me stronger. As a Scorpio sometimes I feel like a real Phoenix bursting from the ashes. So many slates in my life have been getting wiped clean the past few months, new things around every corner. As a fixed sign sometimes that terrifies me, and yet the thrill of not knowing is what makes the sick and excited feeling grow into a giant flower that I imagine sprouting from my chest. Whoa that was pure poetry.

Be on the lookout for the new and improved SHOW PONY coming at the end of March.
In the meantime I am still making progress in my space. Grey Gardens be gone and good friends replace them

Check out the boots on ebay or sale! Handpainted by artist MARTHA RICH-remember the book I posted on called FREEDOM WIGS?

I'm also selling this rad CHAR handpainted leather bohemian jacket. These sweet things sell at the ROSE BOWL for like $800- $1200 sometimes

click to go onto the ebay page.
Ebay store

Tonight while driving home I witnessed the lunar eclipse. Slowly, ever so slowly the fingernail moon forming under a whole lilac circle. I was in a hurry with destiny to get home in time to change and make it to Annakim's bewitching party. You see, according to astrological lore, on the evening of the lunar eclipse if you write down everything you want to manifest and force out the things that no longer suit you, POW! it can come to light. So on my way out the door, running late, I made it to the car only to hear Annakim's dad singing "Free Falling" What a strange magical moment.
The evening was coated in good intentions. Towers of candy and luxurious treats, including a massive unicorn cake. As the ladies slowly showed up, we all piled on makeup and took turns pouring "sacred glitter powder" over our heads, sort of a baptism.
Sure it seems weird to you, and yet in the moment I was willing to believe in anything. I surrendered my cynicism at the door and embraced the not knowing.
We sat in a circle and took turns narrating a goblin rainbow book, every page re-imagined by a new participant. And then we ventured to the roof where we stared at the final stages of the moon phase. In a flash it was to be all gone. We decided to dance holding hands and singing "She's Like A Rainbow" loudly til the energy took over the entire room. Any awkwardness replaced by a sense of true understanding and loyalty towards each other that this moment was somehow significant to all included.
When the pizza man arrived I can only imagine what he must have witnessed through that large window, Screaming glitter raccoon eyed ladies rocking out in a ceremonial ritual. We then sat around in a circle while Annakim read:

The Death of Lovers by Charles Baudelaire

We shall have beds full of subtle perfumes,
Divans as deep as graves, and on the shelves
Will be strange flowers that blossomed for us
Under more beautiful heavens.

Using their dying flames emulously,
Our two hearts will be two immense torches
Which will reflect their double light
In our two souls, those twin mirrors.

Some evening made of rose and of mystical blue
A single flash will pass between us
Like a long sob, charged with farewells;

And later an Angel, setting the doors ajar,
Faithful and joyous, will come to revive
The tarnished mirrors, the extinguished flames.
------------------------------------------------------------

After that we sat in a circle and wrote out what we saw for our futures. The things we wanted to happen and then talked about what we hoped to kick out of our minds.

Things are gonna change, I can feel it.

The gang headed out to Dublab's GIVE UP event at La Cita. They really sell the night with the slogan, "Stop dancing and cry, and then slowly start dancing again". We conquered the dance floor (well we were the only fools dancing...) Upon entering the place D.J. Michael Stock had Pavement playing :
i was dressed for success
but success it never comes
and i'm the only one who laughs
at your jokes when they are so bad
and your jokes are always bad
but they're not as bad as this

come join us in a prayer
we'll be waiting waiting where
everything's ending here
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Not even the music could turn our smiles down

Miss Annakim Violette officially turned into a glampire, and hosted a birthday shindig down at Bordello. It was the perfect spot for her Cockette/Vampire Glam themed birthday. There are dim red lights, Tapestry high back chairs, and a stage to die for! Seriously that stage looks like a trashy flapper mermaid lair.

The ladies got all made-up and then went downtown for some dancing and divine surreal cake. Memorable moment when Annakim said "This year's cake is the best one yet, even better than the time I got the Shining Jack Nicholson cake where his face is busting between the door". (That huge unicorn party one was pretty good too) The late night seemed sort of like a blur that ended in a limo heading back to Annakim's place for gift opening and pizza.

**Check out ViVs pics, she has a better camera and is a pro shutterbug:

the late night limo ride back to the Monarch Mansion

I have to say thanks to all of my great blogger fans who actually wrote comments recently or came out to the ROSE BOWL to support my declutter cause. Getting up at 4:30 a.m. after a night out with lady friends is not an easy feat. We rented a SANFORD and SON beat down U-haul that had a combo SOPRANOS advertisement with graffitti. My toes were frozen til about 11 a.m. But on the plus side, the weather in L.A. later reached a nice 80 degrees and folks were in a buying mood.

I lucked out and had the sweet spot corner over the bridge on the vintage side. The timeless beauty Marisa Tomei came by our booth, she looked even better in person.

I was excited that this cute girl with headband scored my favorite gypsy glitter gown

Emma & her pal came by to liven up our booth, as per our tradition! They had maximum cuteness

we were stalking this rad Japanese family because they were so cute! The mom and dad were so fashionable and their kid was running around the booths in her embroidered hippie dress

annakim in wonderland

perhaps the best fashion statement of the day? This lil one who said" do you wanna see them closed?

or OPEN!?"

this picture is my absolute proof that I have come a long way from my hoarding days. Had I seen this emerald bedazzled 20's costume in the past, I would have found a way to take it home. Instead the new me simply snapped a pic of it and let it sway in the shade.

Here's some of the goods from my stash that didn't sell- FEEL FREE to Contact me to make them yours

1. The kinky couple statue (do not ask how or where this 60's joy of sex statue came into my life)
asking $20 bucks for them

2. the big eyed painting from my dressing room. Have had this baby since the early 90's! make me any offer

3. the psychedelic mannequin- she needs some love- has no arms $20

4. pale pink flapper dress with loads of fringe- has some seam flaws- but orig from an old Paramount Movie house $40

5. 70's repro PICASSO needlepoint picture Make me an offer?

6. Piles of shoes

7. The Reclining Nude Needlepoint-

8. random crazy:

9. The 100 year old doll with painted face and victorian bloomers and shredded goth dress

10. the darling mirror

** There are also the BIG RED store Wardrobe cases!!

Afterwards we all went out to Monterey Park to eat spicy Chinese food. I collapsed shortly after.

last supper

Last year, my Thanksgiving was pure bliss.  Imagine a room of your best gal pals-all sorts of yummy foods, a t.v. playing "I love you to death", and no family nagging about why you don't have a real job.

So- what's a single girl to do, but try for round two.  I'm excited to have it this year at my new big table- surrounded by friends and  later movies on my new comfy couch!  

Growing up Thanksgiving was my least favorite holiday.  I suppose it's because I didn't like turkey or meat, or listening to my family fight about why the gravy tasted like nothing.  It's also the last holiday my family spent together before my parent's big "divorce". 

 The one after that was spent without my dad.  My mom and I wore our robes and my sister said it wasn't "traditional" or a "real" Thanksgiving if we didn't bother getting dressed up.  So she left and went to her boyfriends place.  My mom and I spent it alone.  She also let the turkey slip off the plate and into the dirty sink by accident.  We still ate it, while sitting on the couch watching t.v.

I have to say- I welcome the return to a relaxed holiday.

Stay tuned for the recap

The RECAP

Let's quickly get to the super duper update:

Halloween looked a little like this- me dressed as a pizza slice.  All of us going to the Edendale for a little night life

taylor as Brian Ferry (Roxy Music)

Justin as a caveman/Matador from the Pickup artist

Me being a cannibal.  Eating a slice at Garage Pizza

Fran had a rad costume.  She dressed up as a sexy gorilla, complete with french lingerie

Taylor had to remove the itchy wig in order to put up with the prison shank

check out the Feris Bueller and Marty McFly

E.T. phone home.  There were actually two Elliots at this party

Survived another Halloween party spree

The following week Annakim hosted a pre-election PEACE Pineapple PIZZA Party.  She has recently shaved her head and invited everyone over to soak up some good vibes.  Let Go 

Jubilee is always looking HOT!

part of the party was in honor of equality for everyone - and NO on prop 8! Everyone should be able to marry whom ever they choose.  So we decided to make a wish as a team and then feed eachother cake.  

girl you'll be a woman soon

Ok, so here is the birthday low down.  I awoke to a call from my dad wishing me a happy birthday.  Which quickly led to him saying I can't believe you still don't have kids, or a family.  Which quickly led to talk of politics and well, you can assume the screaming match that ensued.  That made me a little nauseous.  

Later some of my friends took me out for spicy Szechwan Chinese food, and then to a karaoke spot in little Tokyo.  I had pre-paid for the first hour, assuming we would maybe be there for about two hours.  Um, try 5 hours!  At about 3:15 the guy told us we HAD to go, and that we owed $350 bucks! yikes.

Taylor created this masterpiece with my new invention:the pizza hole.  I've already put a copyright on that gem of an idea.  Who doesn't desire a savory cheesy bite minus the dry crust.  

this is the incredible cake Fran decorated for me!

Travis sang "girl you'll be a woman soon" for my birthday.  Made me blush.

Later he and I did a duet version of Nine Inch Nails "Closer".  Um, that song may have impregnated the ears of all in the room.  It was a bit heavy for the crowd and the small room.  And set the night off in a sexual frenzied direction that may have been too much.

annakim came and killed "white rabbit".  She sang a version that sounded a little like Marlena Dietrich being smothered by Nico while skinning a live rabbit eaten by Ozzy .  It sort of had an exorcist appeal.

Fran and Mickey sang a dirty dancing duet that brought tears to some eyes

Taylor did the best version of Bjork!  She has the bruises on her knees to prove it

Britt (normally despises Karaoke) was bitten by the singing bug.  She was unstoppable after her first song.

Things started to get a little crazy when the Croatian model took his jacket off.  Then it seemed the lights got a little dimmer, more drinks were snuck in, and people started pairing off  (sort of like my 8th grade party)

I hope that whoever got pregnant from attending my party names their next of kin after me!

just friends

Taylor was invited to a costume party this past Saturday, and called me in a panic to see if I could be part of her costume.  Seems her last minute costume decision needed a cohort in crime.  So I had about an hour to channel Lohan to her Ronson.

We started off the evening checking out the new art show at SHOW CAVE!  IT was super rad- scary monsters and stuff.  The show is titled:

 CORN ON THE MACABRE

MATT FURIE / ALBERT REYES / AIYANA UDESEN / DATE FARMERS / SHANNON KELLER / SHIZU SALDAMONDO

then off to the party!  The haunted LAIR.  Check out mickey as the OWL

check out Britney coming to flirt with SAM.  She joked that they were "just friends".  At one point a K-Fed guy was seen in the kitchen, who I threatened I would hook up with if Britney didn't behave

this guy said he wasn't dressed up as mystery from the Vh1 show the pickup artist, HUH!?  What else are you dressed up as?  Dave Navarro? A Stone Temple Pilot?

a...yeah, that's the girl from 16 Candles

Lisa and Cynthia pretended to be the clipboard door girl for the exclusive green room.  Cynth was a supreme groupie.  Well actually she arrived at the party sans costume, because they came straight from an event

after the party we ended up at Garage pizza for late night slices.  It's our new favorite late night spot.

sweet smell of luxury

photos by :taylor brittenham

The other night, the ladies of the DELMORE apt building decided to show out on sunday in numbers. The band WE ARE THE WORLD (members former residents of the apt building) were playing.  For those who've never seen one of their shows- it involves a lot of costumes with insane dance choreography.  

After an all day sidewalk sale (involving some major trades and swaps) and a pre-birthday pedicure from Cynthia (notice my green toes closely)...We were looking for trouble.

Earlier in the day I snapped these of the trashy flappers in training:

look who got a new fancy camera- so she can go PRO

this shot was taken a few days before, after me and taylor forced the neighbor to watch an episode of Vh1's Pick-up artist.  (that show has me hooked- can't look away- like a car crash)  We then decided to apply some of "Mystery's" sure-fire pickup strategies on the crowd at the Cha Cha.  We showed up early and snagged a booth and then proceeded to creep out all the customers with our aggressive moves.  I ended up getting a Glendale Galleria type who asked for my number.  First he told me he liked art.  Especially Van Gogh, and his "night of stars" painting.  I told him I thought it was "starry night" he may be referring to.  Anyway, we successfully managed to max out my tab while discussing the many ways in the future we plan to scam money.  My new look?  Grifters all the way.  You can hide a lot of loot in a trench coat.

Rule number #1  You can't grift a grifter.  Or as my dad likes to say in Mr. Brady speak "you can't fool the fiddler"

we later looted this poor guy's Luxury scented Candle.  

whoops tagged!

I've been tagged by MELISSA GAGGIANO of emjietreasures

 to tell you"six little things about myself"

The rules of the game:
• Link to the person who tagged you.
• Mention the rules.
• Tell six quirky yet boring, unspectacular details about yourself.
• Tag six other bloggers by linking to them.
• Go to each person's blog and leave a comment that lets them know they've been tagged.

HERE GOES...

1.  If I was a boy my dad wanted to name me "Rocky Buzzelli"

2.  When I was around 8, I used to photograph my babysitter talking on the phone with her boyfriend and sneaking drinks out of my parents liquor cabinet and then attempt to blackmail her, so that I could stay up later and watch t.v

3.  I used to bake birthday cakes for John Taylor and Nick Rhodes and bring them to school on their birthdays

4.  I once made up a rollerskating street dance routine to the soundtrack from Xanadu, and would get super upset when neighbors would come home from work and interrupt my moves

5.  In High School my best friend and I were obsessed with James Dean.  We bought every book and watched his movies and joked that maybe we were necrophiliacs.

6.  Once while shopping at a Vintage Expo, Diane Keaton came up to me and said that she loved my outfit and that I had darling boots and style!  (In high school, I went through a very serious Annie Hall period, where I wore most of my father's clothes- lots of Pretty in pink vests -you get the picture)

AND NOW I tag the following BLOGGERS:

http://www.getoffthebus.typepad.com/

http://skinnyglassesgirl.blogspot.com/

http://sheturnsthepages.typepad.com/

http://lainbloom.blogspot.com/

http://thecatalyst.typepad.com/

http://www.subtletyinexcess.blogspot.com/

REVENGE of the Man EATING Scorpios...

BEWARE and PREPARE...

moving too fast for words

this is the blur of activity I've handled the past few weeks: 1./ attended my pal Gitte's birthday, she's from Denmark and throws fun house parties. You may recall the one last year where we all ended up in the pool? And the naked guy fell on a cactus patch? here's me with my old roommate sarah cake she was wearing a latex bondage dress and decided that the pool seemed like a good idea she sort of started a movement towards diving in... when we asked Scheid to score some towels for us, he came back with one dirty kitchen rag about 18 inches long. speaking of Scheid, check out his doppelganger. Looks like Gloria may have some explaining to do try dancing while soaking wet. Pretty fun something about wearing a wet jumper makes me go kinda "whitesnake video" ok so then the following day it's off to Fran's new amazing apt and her BBQ can you believe Fran's good luck? She landed this incredible apartment, with fab tiles and sweet plant gardens after the BBQ we ended up singing karaoke with the bad boys of Han Cholo. We actually walked in to the place while they were singing the Outfield- "I just wanna use your love tonight" and here's Lincoln winning the entire crowd over with Sweet Caroline the next day (Labor Day) was the traditional (new annual) shoot 'em up holiday. Scheid called to tell me that we need to go to the LA GUN Club every Labor Day. Last year we went after a tough breakup. And this year after finding out that my hunch about my ex's infidelities were in fact true- what's a girl to do but go to a Gun Club and work it out. I know I never get too personal on this blog (the original intent was a blog on things that inspire creativity) but occasionally you have to release a bummer post where you reveal that you got taken for a ride by some sleazy director's smoke and mirrors. It's really very roman polanski meets woody allen but without all the talent and fame. fran is getting her gun on. She had pretty good aim. then it's on to last Friday- and the silkscreening event I participated in. It was pretty cool printing things for little kids check out my pal Amber's kid Angelo (in red & hat) with his cool posse frohawk gearing up for a screenprint afterwards we went up to the Hollywood Hills to D.J. and sing KAraoke video games these next ones are a dedication for mr. scheid (who I'm going to get at the airport tomorrow) who ever said a dog is a "man's best friend" Also this week we went to the NYLON 90210 party at the Roosevelt. It was kinda over the top. Lots of L.A people dying to get in. Cynthia and I watched while PAris Hilton got asked to have her picture taken with a bunch of people. It was sort of like she was the Grand Canyon like a scenic site or a wax figure that people just wanted to prove they visited. I felt bad for her really. Also in attendance- LC from the hills and Mk olsen- and lot of other super skinny minnies. Saturday night, we went over to Culver City to see the new Kyle Field show at Taylor de Cordoba gallery. It was amazing! And it seems that we may have discovered where some cute smart boys hang out. here's Fran listening to a rad painting/collage with sound then it was up to the NEW Show CAVE show in Echo Park. The whole space was filled to the brim with drawings and videos. A nice creepy angry art vibe. Considering that a crazy drive-by shooting took place the monday before- the scene was a bit edgy. Don Bowles from the Germs played music at the art show (and Nora Keyes sang lead) after that we went by the Hyperion Tavern...where we noticed that the men's bathroom had a nice peep hole for spying, or posing

thanks buddy

I've been busy with my remodel/repainting in my apartment, but wanted to stop and say THANKS for all the sweet comments lately on the blog.  I've been receiving some nice feedback & meeting some new folks on the moldy doily.

I would also like to say thanks to all of you who came over to my comic book signing- in NYC, and L.A. and to those who ventured over to my art show in Chicago.  And of course another thanks to those who went out and bought the latest FLAUNT cover with my art on it!  Always nice to wake up and read responses to things posted.

XOXO

As soon as I get the place in order, I promise to start posting more things for sale on my website 

when you lose the passport, can't remember your name, need help finding the hotel...

who you gonna call? My dear pal David Scheid has finally received the recognition he deserves as an all around "good guy" and tour manager extraordinaire. in his defense this photo was taken when I forced him to model one of my ebay ensembles The latest issue of FADER magazine features a sweet article about him and his righteous blog: wheres the hotel I like that both of our magazine issues are next to each other at circus of books. Side by side Flaunt and Fader. (while at the Farmer's market Fran and I noticed that my cover of Flaunt was sitting pretty next to James Franco's GQ issue) Anyway- if you haven't ever checked out his blog, crawl out from under that rock and do yourself a favor. He posts about his life on the road with bands, wicked rants on things misspelled, crazy news of the weird and shows pics of places you may never get to see. I like that he posts about things that would normally get someone in hot water with the boss. When his book on being a kick ass tour manager gets sold and made into a movie, the scandal meter is gonna go up. That's why I'm glad that I've known him since way before the GLORY, and have VHS footage of him as a young hot bleached blonde Bowie-like babe walking my 1st shop's fashion show- For a pretty penny you can own yourself a dubbed copy. Set your price and we can negotiate the details.

She's B A C K

Guess who's back from TOUR? Miss cindy survived half the summer driving a band around. Probably the best cure for anyone who thinks a boy in a band is the way to go. We spent our Sat. night going to a party in Echo Park with our pal Ravi. He took most the pictures (tons and tons ) which I've chosen to edit. Afterwards we went to a late night Thai place til the wee hours of the night. Fran woke me up for the early farmer's market Sunday ritual. A mere 4 hours of sleep was all that was had. Check out the new pom pom flowers she scored. Later we ate a nice Chinese meal with her folks visiting from Oakland

she comes in colors...

My friend Annakim recently played dress up, and had her makeup done like a rainbow warrior. She also had the perfect outfit for the occasion...her brand new Alexander McQueen Butterfly print dress. She said although it cost and arm and a leg, she plans on wearing it to her colorful wedding. That's one wedding, btw, that I don't want to miss. The man that matches her palette is going to fly off the color chart. He will be one part nocturnal glampire, one part dandy, one part forest fairy, one part musician, and the rest pure animal- or snake?

everytime you go away

Taylor holding up the book that David gave her, wise words from a man who has spent most every day on the road, with some band. The inside cover reads...(Whenever you need a reminder that it can always get worse) For those who may think that is negative thinking, alas, it is simply funny and entertaining.

A lot of my good friends are leaving for almost the entire summer! What gives? What am I gonna do when the jobs settle down and I have so much free time to kill? Who is gonna dance with me to bad music? And since when did everyone and their mother become involved in TOURING rock gigs anyhow? Geez. We threw a little send off party for David and Taylor. Both are going on the road. Miss Cynthia is already on the road til AUGUST!! I informed my friends about the Olsen Twins, and the celeb insider tip that whenever they are about to get photographed they supposedly say "PRUNE" Kinda looks exactly like them, huh? Maybe more Keira Knightly? We left the bar scene and headed to Sara CAKE's birthday party. She was wearing her signature Bias cut handmade evening gown with train. Which will probably be torn later in a doorway. the party was on a balcony, with a lovely cake and lots of trashy flappers Late LAte we ended up at a Diner eating cherry pie a la mode with sides of french fries. The good life.

Just Hitched

Introducing the new Mrs Benjamin. The couple were married by her Daddy up in Mammoth with a heavenly view and dreamy snowflakes. That's right real SNOWflakes! It was incredible leaving L.A. and driving 7500 feet high up where the air is fresh and clear. We all stayed in a sweet cabin that was saddled up near a lake and tiny fishing boats. On the way down the mountain we ended up driving though a cute place called LONE PINE where we stopped for breakfast and to grab a few gem stone rare finds This little diner was closed, but it was shaped like a Merry Go Round Fran convinced me to buy these new Mystery Doritos. The gimmick is YOU gotta guess the flavor, and bag says..."that's only the beginning" Trust me (and my tongue) Yuck. If I could best describe, it was like a fruity burst of Buttermilk weirdness tingling your tastebuds. Oh by the way, the BEST BEEF JERKY stand was also a bust. The whole place was reminiscent of a Law and Order episode about to happen. I think that the sad chicken coup out back was a nice warning. Gaby liked that this pic made it seem like we had always hung out and drank coffee at this bar while watching Regis and Kelly. Sort of a Northern Exposure Twin Peaks sort of place

sunday shower

MATT and VIV: CONGRATS! They are not only getting married, but VIV is also pregnant with a baby BOY. The happy couple held their big Bridal shower at the lovely Moroccan 1920's Hotel Figueroa dowtown. It was lovely, and later this week they will be getting hitched officially near June Lake by her daddy. I think it will be fun hanging out in cabins with tiny boats and good friends. We couldn't help lounging in the sun drinking pretty cocktails and eating luscious desserts and exploring the amazing place. This is the same hotel I went on my 2nd date with Mr. P and also caught the wedding bouquet of my pal Donita. If you have never been to this gorgeous Hotel, you need to get over there this summer and hang out by the pool at least once! (I snagged a few of these from Viv's pics)

fancy glancy

Don't tell a soul, but Mr. C.Glancy is officially a year older.
The man behind the Monument Snowboard deal, and photographer whiz had a birthday party (on a Monday night) that filled the BAR.

the evening involved some drinks, some dancing and meeting up with some old friends I haven't seen in a long time. Overall we learned two things that night, Glancy is popular, and The Bar seems to bring out the worst in Fran and I. Scheid was bummed that I didn't give him the head's up that Glancy was a fashion photographer. Cause where there's a photographer there has to be a gang of models.

running down a dream

Yesterday while working at the shop my friend Annakim called and invited me to the Troubadour to see her dad play. The show was going to mark the 30 year anniversary and reunion of his old band, and was set to be a big deal! As the sun was setting, we ladies climbed into her hybrid wagon of wares. (she has a stuffed taxidermy back there, a huge butterfly kite, a beaded dragon etc...) We were excited and the warm air outside was sort of perfectly magical.

mindy wearing a glitter jumpsuit and her new beaded shrimp necklace

the smaller venue was very cozy and seemed like the audience was filled with family and ultimate fans

we all danced wildly to the music, obviously annakim more so than others. She was gyrating enough to shake the balcony and screaming FREE BIRD at times.

for the record, you are not allowed to take pics at the shows nor have a camera. So that's why these are dark and sneaky

sweet picture of annakim all sweaty and childhood friend whose dad also played with her father. My mom is English and her favorite Beatle was George. She is going to swoon when she gets a look at how handsome his son is too.

the POWER of platinum blonde

The shows continue this week (6 in a row all SOLD OUT) pretty amazing. If you can still find a ticket it's worth it. Lots of pretty country psychedelic songs and witty between song banter. Plus some rad Dylan covers!

After the show we somehow ended up at Crazy Girls. Where you also are not permitted to take pics.

cherry bomb

annakim requested ACDC and proceeded to upstage some of the ladies at work. She said she would like to do an amateur night there. We made some fast friends and then headed off to the 101 Cafe for late night food

cruising the sunset strip on a friday night while blasting FLASH GORDON soundtrack, and ACDC

showing off my hippie angel sleeves after a long night

Ouch, my head.

Last night was my old friend Ravi's birthday. We have been pals for a long time. His friend offered up his luxurious pad in the Hills to host a last minute dance party. So Cynthia and I fetched some records and we drove up to the land of the rich. The view was insane! Imagine a panoramic sky view of the entire lit up city, pushed up beyond the deep backyard and palm trees. The 60's style home had an entire glass window back, and a full stacked bar. Which will later bring up a few regrets.
The decor was beyond minimal. I may have to apprentice under this guy and see how it is possible to have a shelf with NOTHING on it. I mean, it that possible? Where does the mail go?

After dancing til about 2:30, we all ended up in the jacuzzi. Not sure how I was coerced in there, but glad I was. That lasted til about 4. *Also not recommended, unless you want to feel flush and dizzy.
Considering I had stopped eating at about 1 p.m. earlier that day, I was ready for some bed. But no, party time Cynthia and birthday boy begged "more dance party"

Here we go again. The double punch in the face

hot stuff

Scheid bores easy at these affairs. I found him staring out at the landscape, surrounded by tiki torches like an episode of SURVIVOR. he left before the crazy

this is where the party started. Do not judge us by this photo, if you were there, you too would have taken advantage of the hot tub on the hill dangling over the city scape. You may not have done high kicks in the water, (which I am forbidden from posting)

So then we all ended up on awesome patio furniture staring at the stars for some more hours. Enter the potato chips. At about 5:30, Fran begged us to leave, she had to wake up and cut someone's hair by 9 a.m. We crept down the Hollywood Hills toward home and ran into a few coyotes on the prowl. Did I mention that the sun was already coming up. Ouch, my head.
Georgie said I am grounded.

that's a.m.

Solid Gold Sunday

My horoscope on Sunday said something about working way too hard lately and needing to socialize. It also mentioned that work could resume the next day, so stop being so hard on yourself.
So with that in mind...

my dear friends assisted me in many many joyful toasts and boxes of old 45's, and a nostalgia dance party that ended with Cynthia in the splits and me arriving back to my warm bed at 5:37 a.m.

these are my prized SOLID Gold boots that I scored in Miami when at the Art Basel. I promised myself if I sold some art I would buy them, for a mere $12 dollars SCORE

what other D.J. in town can take "You should hear how she talks about you" by Melissa Manchester and follow it up with the Thompson Twins, The Hooters, Rick Springfield and a New Edition breakdown? Did I mention the extended remixes by Howard Jones?

Weirdly enough the horoscope never mentioned that 6 intense hours of drinking,and dancing, diving onto your knees and spinning, and over 50 high David Lee Roth Kicks would result in sleeping til around 1 p.m. the following day.

P.S. the night ended with the entire Pretty in Pink Soundtrack. Nothing like a Smiths song to send you home

if at all possible, sleep less, make more

I spent most of my Easter Sunday working on art projects in my apartment. For those of you who don't already know...I am currently collaborating with VANS shoes on a line! It's a dream job working with cool women. The art/fashion collaboration will hit malls and shops nationwide in FALL 2009, and I am psyched. (is it obvious I've been hanging out with Scheid too many days in a row??)
Speaking of good pals, I'll be driving him to the airport at 5:30 a.m. tomorrow. Ouch

On Easter I met up for a coffee break with the ladies, Annakim in my favorite dress ever...

and her fab bedazzled snake bracelets

Miss K.K. also in her Easter dress best

and of course the lovely Fran

I took pics of myself wearing one of Miss Petrosa's DAISY necklaces- (note the circles under my eyes due to lack of sleep and long nights)

the 85 degree view from my firescape, sorry family in Ohio. It's been pleasantly warm here

Afterwards Cynthia, Fran, David and I headed to Monterey Park for spicy Szechwan fish.
I would regret this burning later.

Back to the drawing board

P.S. Did I mention that on Monday, the seeds I planted at the Equinox party started sprouting already?
That's right- my good fortune, creativity and LOVE are bursting

if it was still like it was, if we were still young

If you were still here, I would call you on the phone and wish you H A P P Y Birthday. You would tell me funny stories and make me laugh. We would wonder when we could meet up again, and hang out. And when we did you would lay out all of your fabulous new clothing finds and inform me of all the latest trends and music I need to buy.

Your adventurous spirit so much greater than most.
You had a way of making me do things I was afraid of trying.

I miss you pal. I will not forget your voice, the way you folded notes, the hundreds of letters and envelopes decorated with art and stickers addressed to me.
We shall meet again someday, and til then I live my life to the fullest because of you

the new you

Last night I attended an Equinox party for ladies only. That's right, SPRING has sprung and the Vernal Equinox (like the Autumnal Equinox) is a time of balance. These are the days we welcome the light and plant new seeds towards the magical things we want to manifest in the future. According to some legends this time also reflects upon the past and atoning for the mis-deeds of our previous year. Letting go of the things no longer useful or productive to our happiness. Viv and I brought along our good intentions and nestled in the backyard of her friend Eva. The trees dangled candle lanterns and the ground was strewn with pillows and blankets. I wish I had my camera on hand to capture the pretty scene.
We all sat around and wrote down the things we needed to let go of in order to secure our future good times. Remember this time is all about:
rebirth
renewal
resurrection
liberation
letting go
sacrifices
choices
responsibility for actions
--------------------------------------------
Sure it's all on the new age side, but aren't you ready to surrender to fate?
It was an exciting feeling watching everyone throw pieces of their past in a burning bucket. It honestly made me want to rush home and box up a lot of my silly clutter and donate it pronto.
According to our friend it's a great time for Spring Cleaning - emotionally and otherwise.

*I can't wait to share all of the exciting news and projects that I've been working on with all of you!

good thing you never invested in forever

Change
Changes
Going backward in order to move forward.
I've had an out of body experience this weekend. Well, more like an emotional punch to the stomach. I can only say that whatever doesn't kill me is definitely gonna make me stronger. As a Scorpio sometimes I feel like a real Phoenix bursting from the ashes. So many slates in my life have been getting wiped clean the past few months, new things around every corner. As a fixed sign sometimes that terrifies me, and yet the thrill of not knowing is what makes the sick and excited feeling grow into a giant flower that I imagine sprouting from my chest. Whoa that was pure poetry.

Be on the lookout for the new and improved SHOW PONY coming at the end of March.
In the meantime I am still making progress in my space. Grey Gardens be gone and good friends replace them

Check out the boots on ebay or sale! Handpainted by artist MARTHA RICH-remember the book I posted on called FREEDOM WIGS?

I'm also selling this rad CHAR handpainted leather bohemian jacket. These sweet things sell at the ROSE BOWL for like $800- $1200 sometimes

click to go onto the ebay page.
Ebay store

look up look forward

Tonight while driving home I witnessed the lunar eclipse. Slowly, ever so slowly the fingernail moon forming under a whole lilac circle. I was in a hurry with destiny to get home in time to change and make it to Annakim's bewitching party. You see, according to astrological lore, on the evening of the lunar eclipse if you write down everything you want to manifest and force out the things that no longer suit you, POW! it can come to light. So on my way out the door, running late, I made it to the car only to hear Annakim's dad singing "Free Falling" What a strange magical moment.
The evening was coated in good intentions. Towers of candy and luxurious treats, including a massive unicorn cake. As the ladies slowly showed up, we all piled on makeup and took turns pouring "sacred glitter powder" over our heads, sort of a baptism.
Sure it seems weird to you, and yet in the moment I was willing to believe in anything. I surrendered my cynicism at the door and embraced the not knowing.
We sat in a circle and took turns narrating a goblin rainbow book, every page re-imagined by a new participant. And then we ventured to the roof where we stared at the final stages of the moon phase. In a flash it was to be all gone. We decided to dance holding hands and singing "She's Like A Rainbow" loudly til the energy took over the entire room. Any awkwardness replaced by a sense of true understanding and loyalty towards each other that this moment was somehow significant to all included.
When the pizza man arrived I can only imagine what he must have witnessed through that large window, Screaming glitter raccoon eyed ladies rocking out in a ceremonial ritual. We then sat around in a circle while Annakim read:

The Death of Lovers by Charles Baudelaire

We shall have beds full of subtle perfumes,
Divans as deep as graves, and on the shelves
Will be strange flowers that blossomed for us
Under more beautiful heavens.

Using their dying flames emulously,
Our two hearts will be two immense torches
Which will reflect their double light
In our two souls, those twin mirrors.

Some evening made of rose and of mystical blue
A single flash will pass between us
Like a long sob, charged with farewells;

And later an Angel, setting the doors ajar,
Faithful and joyous, will come to revive
The tarnished mirrors, the extinguished flames.
------------------------------------------------------------

After that we sat in a circle and wrote out what we saw for our futures. The things we wanted to happen and then talked about what we hoped to kick out of our minds.

Things are gonna change, I can feel it.

Oh, but I know what will make you smile tonight

The gang headed out to Dublab's GIVE UP event at La Cita. They really sell the night with the slogan, "Stop dancing and cry, and then slowly start dancing again". We conquered the dance floor (well we were the only fools dancing...) Upon entering the place D.J. Michael Stock had Pavement playing :
i was dressed for success
but success it never comes
and i'm the only one who laughs
at your jokes when they are so bad
and your jokes are always bad
but they're not as bad as this

come join us in a prayer
we'll be waiting waiting where
everything's ending here
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Not even the music could turn our smiles down

happy birthday glampire

Miss Annakim Violette officially turned into a glampire, and hosted a birthday shindig down at Bordello. It was the perfect spot for her Cockette/Vampire Glam themed birthday. There are dim red lights, Tapestry high back chairs, and a stage to die for! Seriously that stage looks like a trashy flapper mermaid lair.

The ladies got all made-up and then went downtown for some dancing and divine surreal cake. Memorable moment when Annakim said "This year's cake is the best one yet, even better than the time I got the Shining Jack Nicholson cake where his face is busting between the door". (That huge unicorn party one was pretty good too) The late night seemed sort of like a blur that ended in a limo heading back to Annakim's place for gift opening and pizza.

**Check out ViVs pics, she has a better camera and is a pro shutterbug:

the late night limo ride back to the Monarch Mansion

Another Sleepless Sunday

I have to say thanks to all of my great blogger fans who actually wrote comments recently or came out to the ROSE BOWL to support my declutter cause. Getting up at 4:30 a.m. after a night out with lady friends is not an easy feat. We rented a SANFORD and SON beat down U-haul that had a combo SOPRANOS advertisement with graffitti. My toes were frozen til about 11 a.m. But on the plus side, the weather in L.A. later reached a nice 80 degrees and folks were in a buying mood.

I lucked out and had the sweet spot corner over the bridge on the vintage side. The timeless beauty Marisa Tomei came by our booth, she looked even better in person.

I was excited that this cute girl with headband scored my favorite gypsy glitter gown

Emma & her pal came by to liven up our booth, as per our tradition! They had maximum cuteness

we were stalking this rad Japanese family because they were so cute! The mom and dad were so fashionable and their kid was running around the booths in her embroidered hippie dress

annakim in wonderland

perhaps the best fashion statement of the day? This lil one who said" do you wanna see them closed?

or OPEN!?"

this picture is my absolute proof that I have come a long way from my hoarding days. Had I seen this emerald bedazzled 20's costume in the past, I would have found a way to take it home. Instead the new me simply snapped a pic of it and let it sway in the shade.

Here's some of the goods from my stash that didn't sell- FEEL FREE to Contact me to make them yours

1. The kinky couple statue (do not ask how or where this 60's joy of sex statue came into my life)
asking $20 bucks for them

2. the big eyed painting from my dressing room. Have had this baby since the early 90's! make me any offer

3. the psychedelic mannequin- she needs some love- has no arms $20

4. pale pink flapper dress with loads of fringe- has some seam flaws- but orig from an old Paramount Movie house $40

5. 70's repro PICASSO needlepoint picture Make me an offer?

6. Piles of shoes

7. The Reclining Nude Needlepoint-

8. random crazy:

9. The 100 year old doll with painted face and victorian bloomers and shredded goth dress

10. the darling mirror

** There are also the BIG RED store Wardrobe cases!!

Afterwards we all went out to Monterey Park to eat spicy Chinese food. I collapsed shortly after.