Earlier this evening i was watching TV and of course, as it is a Monday evening, Mr. Anthony Bourdain was on. I don't know if i've mentioned this earlier, but No Reservations is probably one of my favorite unscripted shows of all time. Lets not forget my bizarre and strange obsession with medical docus about morbidly obeses folks, but Tony Bourdain manages to capture my heart and gives me a joy for an hour every week of true tunnel vision. This past week's episode took me and the rest of his viewers to Haiti for something that rocked me in the same caliber of the recent Paris and Rome episode this past season, but in a completely different manner.
Watching these people in the ruins of their the quake that happened last January, it was shocking to really see how much damage had occurred. The images, the emotions, and the attitudes of Haitians was just seething from my TV into my living room and engrossing me in every way. Granted No Res is all about the enjoyable travel experiences including food and culture and exploration... this really took a raw look a country and city that went through so much pain. I won't go into lengths about what the episode actually covers, but let's just say that emotionally...i felt small.
i just felt so small.
And those who understand what I am talking about, know exactly what i'm talking about.
2.28.2011
2.15.2011
Portland, OR.
When I told people that i was going on a trip to Portland with my family the general reaction of everyone was "What?! Why Portland?" And funny enough, even while we were on our flight to Portland my mom turned to my dad and asked, "Where is it that we're going again?" Wherein my dad and I would laugh our funny inside joke laugh and then point out where Portland was on a map to my silly mother.
But what I guess i didn't reiterate to people was that my dad is an avid photographer and he wanted to actually scope some of the beautiful landscape that surrounds Portland, and not so much the city itself. And though i was more excited to check out the city, as a lot of what traveling in my books means eating and exploring local culture, it was actually pleasant to be out in the woods and the ocean away from most civilization. Granted most of the trip was miserably rained out, I was able to put to use some of the tips my dad had given me on taking pictures.
And here... after years of not doing a photo update to a blog of my own actual photos (and not just one photo like the previous entry) is a huge step of 5 whopping pictures! Enjoy.
However, i will say though that i was a bit disappointed to not run into Fred Armisen's "Bike Rider" character on the streets during the brief moments we were passing through the city.
But what I guess i didn't reiterate to people was that my dad is an avid photographer and he wanted to actually scope some of the beautiful landscape that surrounds Portland, and not so much the city itself. And though i was more excited to check out the city, as a lot of what traveling in my books means eating and exploring local culture, it was actually pleasant to be out in the woods and the ocean away from most civilization. Granted most of the trip was miserably rained out, I was able to put to use some of the tips my dad had given me on taking pictures.
And here... after years of not doing a photo update to a blog of my own actual photos (and not just one photo like the previous entry) is a huge step of 5 whopping pictures! Enjoy.
However, i will say though that i was a bit disappointed to not run into Fred Armisen's "Bike Rider" character on the streets during the brief moments we were passing through the city.
2.03.2011
844 Hours.
The other day, for some odd reason, the subject of stuffed animals came up. I was talking to someone about how i don't possess any stuffed animals and to be quite honest, i don't know what happened to the ones i used to. But i do remember receiving a load of them as a kid. I mean a real load of them.
I don't know how most little girls (and boys for that matter) receive their toys, but when i was younger i remember coming downstairs and there was suddenly a mountain of stuffed animals in my living room. My dad's friend was visiting and for some reason he had brought Noah's Ark to my house. Literally every animal imaginable was in the mix on the ground in my living room. But i particularly remember two that i obsessed over; a koala bear and a brown teddy bear. I couldn't let go of these two at all. I remember taking a trip with my family and carrying this brown teddy bear with me on the airplane. And when we boarded the plane and took our seats, i remember the stewardess came and asked for the name of my bear. And i didn't have an answer.
So i looked up at her, looked at my bear, looked at her again and just blurted out, "Brown Sugar!"
What the hell?
In any case, i don't have that teddy bear any more unfortunately. She was packed away and then from what i understand donated to the local Salvation Army. So i guess some other little girl will be able to enjoy it.. and give it a better name i hope.
843 Hours.
I don't know how most little girls (and boys for that matter) receive their toys, but when i was younger i remember coming downstairs and there was suddenly a mountain of stuffed animals in my living room. My dad's friend was visiting and for some reason he had brought Noah's Ark to my house. Literally every animal imaginable was in the mix on the ground in my living room. But i particularly remember two that i obsessed over; a koala bear and a brown teddy bear. I couldn't let go of these two at all. I remember taking a trip with my family and carrying this brown teddy bear with me on the airplane. And when we boarded the plane and took our seats, i remember the stewardess came and asked for the name of my bear. And i didn't have an answer.
So i looked up at her, looked at my bear, looked at her again and just blurted out, "Brown Sugar!"
What the hell?
In any case, i don't have that teddy bear any more unfortunately. She was packed away and then from what i understand donated to the local Salvation Army. So i guess some other little girl will be able to enjoy it.. and give it a better name i hope.
843 Hours.
1.31.2011
The New Year.
Happy (insanely belated) New Year!
It's been quite the eventful New Year if you ask me.
In fact, prior to it even beginning my world got flipped from underneath me and it's brought me through the New Year with feelings I've never had before. Elusive? Yes, but i'm in a happy place, its not a bad thing.
Already i feel like i've planned out the year ahead of me. With so many events happening in the next few months i wouldn't be surprised if my entries for 2011 are just as sparse as 2010. What's more, i haven't made any commitments to blog more. That can't be good. But i suppose the least i can do is blog as much as i can for whenever i remember to do so.
Here's a great update though. As far as picking up an active hobby for the new year, it's actually coming to fruition! Lo and behold, i've purchased a new bicycle and i'm so very VERY excited about riding it. Stay tuned for pictures.
It's been quite the eventful New Year if you ask me.
In fact, prior to it even beginning my world got flipped from underneath me and it's brought me through the New Year with feelings I've never had before. Elusive? Yes, but i'm in a happy place, its not a bad thing.
Already i feel like i've planned out the year ahead of me. With so many events happening in the next few months i wouldn't be surprised if my entries for 2011 are just as sparse as 2010. What's more, i haven't made any commitments to blog more. That can't be good. But i suppose the least i can do is blog as much as i can for whenever i remember to do so.
Here's a great update though. As far as picking up an active hobby for the new year, it's actually coming to fruition! Lo and behold, i've purchased a new bicycle and i'm so very VERY excited about riding it. Stay tuned for pictures.
12.19.2010
Window Cleaning.
|
| documented with mom's cam. |
So previously i wrote a post about having this great day and having all these great finds but found myself in the unfortunate position of losing a lot of my possessions one night out on the town. The car's window got busted and.. you get the picture. It was a learning experience, to say the least, and I wish nobody the terror of that night. In other good news though... or bad... the plight with my ever lost camera has forever been lost. And thus the journey to find a new one begins.
or maybe it's a sign for me the quit taking pictures all together and reflect on the importance of viewing... on my own.
mmm... nah, i doubt that.
-
other news. i think i'm finally going to buy a bicycle this year.
11.16.2010
List ten good things...
It's really sad I think if you can't list ten good things that have happened to you in a day... So I'm going to try... Besides the redundant 'happy to be alive' one.
One. My mom cut fruit for me today and they were delicious.
Two. I refrained from drinking soda.
Three. My work blog received a fair amount of viewers.
Four. Got complimented on my hair.
Five. Chatted with a new friend.
Six. Hung out with old friends.
Seven. Admired the beautiful jcrew holiday catalog
Eight. Messaged an old friend in Korea
Nine. House of honey
Ten. Blogging myself to bed.
One. My mom cut fruit for me today and they were delicious.
Two. I refrained from drinking soda.
Three. My work blog received a fair amount of viewers.
Four. Got complimented on my hair.
Five. Chatted with a new friend.
Six. Hung out with old friends.
Seven. Admired the beautiful jcrew holiday catalog
Eight. Messaged an old friend in Korea
Nine. House of honey
Ten. Blogging myself to bed.
11.15.2010
Holy Rollin'
And it still isn't really over.
i've worked from 9:00 straight until 6:30pm... then went to the gym... and came back to finish working.
ANYWAY
more interesting things.
I've recently been obsessed with actor Jesse Eisenberg (blame the Social Network) and watched Holy Rollers on Netflix. I really loved how Jesse Eisenberg played the part of this orthodox Jewish kid who really just wanted to do right for his family, but fails.. miserably. But what really got me about the film was actually the soundtrack. Granted the film is all about drugs and losing innocence, the music really melded well with the movie. Created by Remix Artist Collective, who doesn't sell any of their music through iTunes. Not super shocking I guess, but was refreshing to purchase music this way.
In any case, the song "If you Forget me" and "House Party" are on repeat. ... and "Sushi" as well.. just give it a listen. You'll get why.
RAC x HOLY ROLLERS by Remix Artist Collective
i've worked from 9:00 straight until 6:30pm... then went to the gym... and came back to finish working.
ANYWAY
more interesting things.
I've recently been obsessed with actor Jesse Eisenberg (blame the Social Network) and watched Holy Rollers on Netflix. I really loved how Jesse Eisenberg played the part of this orthodox Jewish kid who really just wanted to do right for his family, but fails.. miserably. But what really got me about the film was actually the soundtrack. Granted the film is all about drugs and losing innocence, the music really melded well with the movie. Created by Remix Artist Collective, who doesn't sell any of their music through iTunes. Not super shocking I guess, but was refreshing to purchase music this way.
In any case, the song "If you Forget me" and "House Party" are on repeat. ... and "Sushi" as well.. just give it a listen. You'll get why.
RAC x HOLY ROLLERS by Remix Artist Collective
11.14.2010
Pictures to Prove Nothing.
It was one of those days...
Let me describe just the kind of day it was in my unphotographic memory.. and lack of having pictures.
I woke up this morning feeling well-rested and eager to finish Billy Elliot. I will confess and say that I have never actually seen the film so seeing it in full length of over the last few nights and into the morning, probably did not do it justice, but it did do me right. I was head over heels for this kid and his maturity in the film as well as the father-son relationship that was taking place. Interestingly enough, it seems that Netflix has picked up on my trend, seeing that I watched Finding Bobby Fisher recently. So I cried at the appropriate times and cheered all between 8am to 9am. Wonderful.
Then I was off to Santa Monica with J to do a location scout out at the Annenberg Beach House. Beautiful house, rather cold events hall, but overall wonderful feeling to be back out by the ocean. We witnessed the beginning of a wedding taking place by the shore and the whole scene was so lush. The crowd of about 80 guests were all seated and waiting for the bride, kids were running around, late comers were waving to fellow family members, and the waves and the wind felt like they were in tune with the guitarist.
Lunch was then enjoyed at Le Pain Quotidien, a personal favorite, and we decided to do some minor damage to our credit cards considering how (un)wealthy we both are. Amazing finds. But one particular gem i'd like to express. My new leather jacket. I'm a huge fan of leather jackets and for the longest time was kicking myself in the shin for having not bought one while I was in London. The peril of not having one for the time I've been back to the states killed me, eating away at my heart every time I tried one on and it just wasn't it. I could never find the perfect one... yes, it's that serious. But lo and behold, we end up going to All Saints, a London based store, and I find it. It! It is beautiful. Grey, gorgeous zipper details, beautiful fleece lined hood, and fits like a glove. After a painful, yet somewhat relieving purchase, I walked out with a new key piece in my wardrobe. And the irony of buying the jacket from London based shop just makes me laugh.
Thereafter, i met up with my old friend T, who i can't honestly say i've kept in great touch with. Nevertheless, we had some coffee at a local shop, reminisced, updated, and reveled in our love for our small town. I was thoroughly impressed with what he's been doing with his life, and how he's grown up into this man who is passionate about what he does. We stepped outside when the cafe started to set up the jazz band playing and it was so beautiful. The sun was setting, clouds were on fire, the train was whirring past us every few minutes, and a cool breeze drove away the earlier heat of the day. It was just so nice having a moment to sit down and enjoy everything around me.
Once T had set off on his bike, I walked across the street and noticed the old video store's lights were on and there was hustle bustle happening. What was this? A new used music and bookstore in town? ... Well, of course, I walked in and was just so delighted. Bee-lined to the music, and laughed at the collection but was SO excited to have found a Doors LP from their night at the Hollywood Bowl. Why this album in particular? Well, I recently watched the Doors' documentary, When You're Strange, and fell madly in love with Jim Morrison. They do a particular bit in the documentary about the performance at the Hollywood Bowl, and i have this weird thing about the Hollywood Bowl and how many incredible acts have come through that venue. So with the LP and a Taschen London Interiors book in hand, I was one happy camper.
Great, great Sunday.
Let me describe just the kind of day it was in my unphotographic memory.. and lack of having pictures.
I woke up this morning feeling well-rested and eager to finish Billy Elliot. I will confess and say that I have never actually seen the film so seeing it in full length of over the last few nights and into the morning, probably did not do it justice, but it did do me right. I was head over heels for this kid and his maturity in the film as well as the father-son relationship that was taking place. Interestingly enough, it seems that Netflix has picked up on my trend, seeing that I watched Finding Bobby Fisher recently. So I cried at the appropriate times and cheered all between 8am to 9am. Wonderful.
Then I was off to Santa Monica with J to do a location scout out at the Annenberg Beach House. Beautiful house, rather cold events hall, but overall wonderful feeling to be back out by the ocean. We witnessed the beginning of a wedding taking place by the shore and the whole scene was so lush. The crowd of about 80 guests were all seated and waiting for the bride, kids were running around, late comers were waving to fellow family members, and the waves and the wind felt like they were in tune with the guitarist.
Lunch was then enjoyed at Le Pain Quotidien, a personal favorite, and we decided to do some minor damage to our credit cards considering how (un)wealthy we both are. Amazing finds. But one particular gem i'd like to express. My new leather jacket. I'm a huge fan of leather jackets and for the longest time was kicking myself in the shin for having not bought one while I was in London. The peril of not having one for the time I've been back to the states killed me, eating away at my heart every time I tried one on and it just wasn't it. I could never find the perfect one... yes, it's that serious. But lo and behold, we end up going to All Saints, a London based store, and I find it. It! It is beautiful. Grey, gorgeous zipper details, beautiful fleece lined hood, and fits like a glove. After a painful, yet somewhat relieving purchase, I walked out with a new key piece in my wardrobe. And the irony of buying the jacket from London based shop just makes me laugh.
Thereafter, i met up with my old friend T, who i can't honestly say i've kept in great touch with. Nevertheless, we had some coffee at a local shop, reminisced, updated, and reveled in our love for our small town. I was thoroughly impressed with what he's been doing with his life, and how he's grown up into this man who is passionate about what he does. We stepped outside when the cafe started to set up the jazz band playing and it was so beautiful. The sun was setting, clouds were on fire, the train was whirring past us every few minutes, and a cool breeze drove away the earlier heat of the day. It was just so nice having a moment to sit down and enjoy everything around me.
Once T had set off on his bike, I walked across the street and noticed the old video store's lights were on and there was hustle bustle happening. What was this? A new used music and bookstore in town? ... Well, of course, I walked in and was just so delighted. Bee-lined to the music, and laughed at the collection but was SO excited to have found a Doors LP from their night at the Hollywood Bowl. Why this album in particular? Well, I recently watched the Doors' documentary, When You're Strange, and fell madly in love with Jim Morrison. They do a particular bit in the documentary about the performance at the Hollywood Bowl, and i have this weird thing about the Hollywood Bowl and how many incredible acts have come through that venue. So with the LP and a Taschen London Interiors book in hand, I was one happy camper.
Great, great Sunday.
11.13.2010
10.24.2010
Want to be interviewed?
Ok, so maybe it's more like reaching the end...
but i'm trying here..
So i've definitely fallen off this blogging scale. I feel so disconnected when i'm online all day and I don't feel any desire to blog about anything when blogging has become my career.
ugh.
But good news! This Saturday I'm going to be putting my creative juices to work by actually doing some filming! A new project of interviews is going to begin and I can't wait to document some really interesting people. Although i'd like to think as a visionary and hope that i will be showing in Cannes one day... this personal project of mine is purely a manner of filming people. I know that we are always taking pictures of friends and trying to relive memories through photos... but wouldn't it be nice to be a subject of an interview? have 20+ years pass and you can watch this video of yourself talk.
about nonsense probably..
but atleast it's there.
I have to record my parents cooking as well.
Much to do.
note: would you like to be interviewed? Let me know.
but i'm trying here..
So i've definitely fallen off this blogging scale. I feel so disconnected when i'm online all day and I don't feel any desire to blog about anything when blogging has become my career.
ugh.
But good news! This Saturday I'm going to be putting my creative juices to work by actually doing some filming! A new project of interviews is going to begin and I can't wait to document some really interesting people. Although i'd like to think as a visionary and hope that i will be showing in Cannes one day... this personal project of mine is purely a manner of filming people. I know that we are always taking pictures of friends and trying to relive memories through photos... but wouldn't it be nice to be a subject of an interview? have 20+ years pass and you can watch this video of yourself talk.
about nonsense probably..
but atleast it's there.
I have to record my parents cooking as well.
Much to do.
note: would you like to be interviewed? Let me know.
