Sunday, January 01, 2012
Model Mayhem
This was last spring at the first modeling fundraiser for designer Pilar Macchione to get to Couture Fashion Week in New York. Marcus wanted pictures of his amazing hair he did on me, and I am finally getting around to making this fun little ditty for him...
Location and Host: Marcus Hanish Salon, Downtown San Diego
Makeup: James Overstreet
Designer: Pilar Macchione
Photography: Leo Malevanchik, John Schell and Marcus' asst.
Models: Elsa, Courtney, Sarra, Kristina, Gemma, Cierra, Traelee, Emma, Alma, & Sarah.
2011 Highlights!
Happy New Year!!
I fear that the year has ended without my even having time to blog about some of that which I enjoyed the most throughout the year.
By way of my keeping the memories, I post a list here. Some have been blogged about already, others still have yet to be blogged.
I present the Highlights of 2011 for me:
1). I decided not to do the Ireland trip this year to see the in-laws, so my travel was limited to our amazing summer road trip beyond the Bay Area into Northern California and then to Yosemite National Park. (See Blog).
2). It was a short 2nd annual camping trip with best friend Diana and her family to Joshua Tree. Tremendously cold and windy April weather made us leave before the Saturday evening cold night came back. You just never know. I have camped there in April where is was perfect, or too hot - but this time was freezing and windy! Friday night was enough of a challenge so we left Saturday afternoon. We shall see what happens this year...
3). Concerts! P and I love music concerts! This year was a banner year with seeing some of my top fave New Wave bands (ok, I was invited to see "Glee" lipsync 85% of their concert as well, but that wasn't a highlight). First there was ABC again with P at the intimate Sunset Strip House of Blues (see blog).
Then for P's 45 bday I took him to Bryan Ferry, Roxy Music at the gorgeous outdoor Greek Theater also in LA.
Then there was my favorite band in the world - DURAN DURAN - with friends at Harrah's Casino in October - - under the stars on a warm night. A perfect setting!
http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=13736
(Click the link and make sure to watch the video, fans!)
4). In my opinion the best musical ever written for many reasons is "Les Miserables". Over the summer the 25th-Anniversary National Tour played in Los Angeles at the Ahmanson Theater. I went with siblings and introduced Patrick and Ciara to it. It was questionably restaged (no revolving stage, no massive 2-piece adjoining barricade stage set, Javert's suicide scene no longer had the illusion of him jumping off the bridge.) But with all that said - it still is a tour de force and my family enjoyed it immensely!
4). Keeping in subject with musicals, Les Miz may be the overall best musical to me, but my favorite is still The Phantom of The Opera. It is also in it's 25th anniversary (*unbelievable* - when this show debuted whilst I was in High School it was hugely responsible for my pursuing an opera degree). At the Royal Albert Hall in London they restaged and filmed the anniversary performance to be seen for a short run in movie theaters internationally. With the best Christine I have ever seen and the fine, young, and sexy Ramin Karimloo singing the Phantom role, I still say that nothing will ever compare to the original Phantom: Michael Crawford. No pop star, young singer, super strong/belting/angry singer nor sexy Phantom has since captured the novel's true compassionate or romantic haracter of "Erick" like Michael Crawford. I thank God that we were fortunate-enough to see him 3 times perform the role in Los Angeles back in 1990-1991.
5). My precious orange tabby Gingerbread was a highlight this year as we had rescued him at Thanksgiving in 2010. But it was this year that I saw Gingy's personality establish as well as see him grow from a playful little kitten who made eye contact and stared at us and so wanted to friend grumpy old kitty Jordy (who was downright mean and awful to him for the first 7 months) until his sweetness captured Jordy's heart and they now play together - even if Jordy still isn't as affectionate to him as he is to Jordy. He has turned into a beautiful adult cat with his token half purr/meow that he does everytime he looks for us (me especially) or Jordy. That little vocalization he does is so sweet I can't even stand it. I love my Jordy, of course, he has been through the thick and thin with me and moved all over San Diego when I had to. But Ginger we rescued literally from death, starvation and exposure. It took both P and I to do it - and I raised him from only about a month old so I am proud when I point out how sweet and how unfazed he is. Not skittish like my old bear Jordy but just smart, great with the dogs (he even goes on walks with us down the street) and sweet with people, vets, kids. No scratching. I say a prayer with his adventurous ways that he come back every night to me. He prefers to be outside most of the time, or in the canyon with snakes, bobcats and coyotes but I couldn't or wouldn't stop him. He is happy. Patrick and Ciara think I favor him over all our pets, I don't - but he is just special because I I saved him under insane circumstances and really got to raise him and train him from the beginning. So I get a kick out of that. I tell P often, "He brings me such joy...!" P and Ciara refer to him as 'The Golden Boy' (who can do no wrong). *Editor's Note - it is not lost on me at all, that had I not married I would truly, officially be a Crazy Cat Lady. hehehe
6). Another highlight was the amazing modeling I did this year. I am very proud of myself to be literally holding my own walking and posing with girls this year as young as 11 next to me! I realize how blessed and how hard-working and deserving I am to work professionally and get a paycheck in this bad economy, especially. I am also aware of how many young girls envy my career. But I try to help them out as much as I can with advice. I must point out that I have paid my dues for 15 years modeling. And even longer than that with acting and singing. It takes time to build relationships and make contacts like I have done. None of it has come easy for this short, curvy model. But, as I tell the young girls, "Personality can take you far.."
One of my best jobs this year was shooting with my dear friend Kendra of Kendraweddings.com a few times. But specifically shooting 3 1/2 days in April at the glorious historic Mission Inn Hotel in Riverside. We were put up in gorgeous rooms, fed like kings and modeled many high end bridal gowns for Orange County Bride Magazine. I met wonderfully-talented people and even an America's Next Top Model on that job. Plus all my jobs with Kendra this year remain extra-special for the miracle that she is back in my life after about a 17-year absence. She is a wonderful friend! The fact that she is a fashion photographer and me a model after all these years is kismit! Stay tuned as The Mission Inn blog and pictures are very time-consuming but will be soon posted.
7). Another major highlight? Modeling in New York City. This is big. To model in NYC for any model is the biggest you can do in the USA. For me to do it at my age is almost inconceivable. For me to do it in a big show - New York Couture Fashion Week is even better. AND I got the honor of opening the show for my designer. Not. Too. Shabby.
Here is more footage from Diana Navarro hosting the interview. I wanted to remember for future reference what the backstage was like, the people involved and you can see the talent involved in the show besides the fashion! See me getting my hair straightened at :40 and walking at 2:30. It is nice they feature a lot of my designer Pilar Macchione!
8). Lastly, this year was the year (about March) where I had a big goal of getting my health and chronic back, hip and knee pain back in order. I told my sister just today how others may forget but not me nor my husband that just 2 years ago I was limping, and at times, bent over and crooked - in utter pain. Plus there was a several month period of no gym whatsoever that was very hard for me to do - not exercise. For me to be where I am today - past my goal weight after the Holidays of 117 (I hadn't been in about 6.4 years this thin), in shape and turning 40 this coming spring - well, shucks: I worked hard. I also thank my Spine Zone therapists. Our health is so important to us. I will never take it for granted. I haven't felt this good since before meeting Patrick. I am so pleased for this long road of recovery to have reached the light at the end of the tunnel in 2011.
Namaste! Adieu, 2011!
I fear that the year has ended without my even having time to blog about some of that which I enjoyed the most throughout the year.
By way of my keeping the memories, I post a list here. Some have been blogged about already, others still have yet to be blogged.
I present the Highlights of 2011 for me:
2). It was a short 2nd annual camping trip with best friend Diana and her family to Joshua Tree. Tremendously cold and windy April weather made us leave before the Saturday evening cold night came back. You just never know. I have camped there in April where is was perfect, or too hot - but this time was freezing and windy! Friday night was enough of a challenge so we left Saturday afternoon. We shall see what happens this year...
3). Concerts! P and I love music concerts! This year was a banner year with seeing some of my top fave New Wave bands (ok, I was invited to see "Glee" lipsync 85% of their concert as well, but that wasn't a highlight). First there was ABC again with P at the intimate Sunset Strip House of Blues (see blog).
Then there was my favorite band in the world - DURAN DURAN - with friends at Harrah's Casino in October - - under the stars on a warm night. A perfect setting!
http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=13736
(Click the link and make sure to watch the video, fans!)
4). In my opinion the best musical ever written for many reasons is "Les Miserables". Over the summer the 25th-Anniversary National Tour played in Los Angeles at the Ahmanson Theater. I went with siblings and introduced Patrick and Ciara to it. It was questionably restaged (no revolving stage, no massive 2-piece adjoining barricade stage set, Javert's suicide scene no longer had the illusion of him jumping off the bridge.) But with all that said - it still is a tour de force and my family enjoyed it immensely!
4). Keeping in subject with musicals, Les Miz may be the overall best musical to me, but my favorite is still The Phantom of The Opera. It is also in it's 25th anniversary (*unbelievable* - when this show debuted whilst I was in High School it was hugely responsible for my pursuing an opera degree). At the Royal Albert Hall in London they restaged and filmed the anniversary performance to be seen for a short run in movie theaters internationally. With the best Christine I have ever seen and the fine, young, and sexy Ramin Karimloo singing the Phantom role, I still say that nothing will ever compare to the original Phantom: Michael Crawford. No pop star, young singer, super strong/belting/angry singer nor sexy Phantom has since captured the novel's true compassionate or romantic haracter of "Erick" like Michael Crawford. I thank God that we were fortunate-enough to see him 3 times perform the role in Los Angeles back in 1990-1991.
5). My precious orange tabby Gingerbread was a highlight this year as we had rescued him at Thanksgiving in 2010. But it was this year that I saw Gingy's personality establish as well as see him grow from a playful little kitten who made eye contact and stared at us and so wanted to friend grumpy old kitty Jordy (who was downright mean and awful to him for the first 7 months) until his sweetness captured Jordy's heart and they now play together - even if Jordy still isn't as affectionate to him as he is to Jordy. He has turned into a beautiful adult cat with his token half purr/meow that he does everytime he looks for us (me especially) or Jordy. That little vocalization he does is so sweet I can't even stand it. I love my Jordy, of course, he has been through the thick and thin with me and moved all over San Diego when I had to. But Ginger we rescued literally from death, starvation and exposure. It took both P and I to do it - and I raised him from only about a month old so I am proud when I point out how sweet and how unfazed he is. Not skittish like my old bear Jordy but just smart, great with the dogs (he even goes on walks with us down the street) and sweet with people, vets, kids. No scratching. I say a prayer with his adventurous ways that he come back every night to me. He prefers to be outside most of the time, or in the canyon with snakes, bobcats and coyotes but I couldn't or wouldn't stop him. He is happy. Patrick and Ciara think I favor him over all our pets, I don't - but he is just special because I I saved him under insane circumstances and really got to raise him and train him from the beginning. So I get a kick out of that. I tell P often, "He brings me such joy...!" P and Ciara refer to him as 'The Golden Boy' (who can do no wrong). *Editor's Note - it is not lost on me at all, that had I not married I would truly, officially be a Crazy Cat Lady. hehehe
6). Another highlight was the amazing modeling I did this year. I am very proud of myself to be literally holding my own walking and posing with girls this year as young as 11 next to me! I realize how blessed and how hard-working and deserving I am to work professionally and get a paycheck in this bad economy, especially. I am also aware of how many young girls envy my career. But I try to help them out as much as I can with advice. I must point out that I have paid my dues for 15 years modeling. And even longer than that with acting and singing. It takes time to build relationships and make contacts like I have done. None of it has come easy for this short, curvy model. But, as I tell the young girls, "Personality can take you far.."
One of my best jobs this year was shooting with my dear friend Kendra of Kendraweddings.com a few times. But specifically shooting 3 1/2 days in April at the glorious historic Mission Inn Hotel in Riverside. We were put up in gorgeous rooms, fed like kings and modeled many high end bridal gowns for Orange County Bride Magazine. I met wonderfully-talented people and even an America's Next Top Model on that job. Plus all my jobs with Kendra this year remain extra-special for the miracle that she is back in my life after about a 17-year absence. She is a wonderful friend! The fact that she is a fashion photographer and me a model after all these years is kismit! Stay tuned as The Mission Inn blog and pictures are very time-consuming but will be soon posted.
7). Another major highlight? Modeling in New York City. This is big. To model in NYC for any model is the biggest you can do in the USA. For me to do it at my age is almost inconceivable. For me to do it in a big show - New York Couture Fashion Week is even better. AND I got the honor of opening the show for my designer. Not. Too. Shabby.
Here is more footage from Diana Navarro hosting the interview. I wanted to remember for future reference what the backstage was like, the people involved and you can see the talent involved in the show besides the fashion! See me getting my hair straightened at :40 and walking at 2:30. It is nice they feature a lot of my designer Pilar Macchione!
8). Lastly, this year was the year (about March) where I had a big goal of getting my health and chronic back, hip and knee pain back in order. I told my sister just today how others may forget but not me nor my husband that just 2 years ago I was limping, and at times, bent over and crooked - in utter pain. Plus there was a several month period of no gym whatsoever that was very hard for me to do - not exercise. For me to be where I am today - past my goal weight after the Holidays of 117 (I hadn't been in about 6.4 years this thin), in shape and turning 40 this coming spring - well, shucks: I worked hard. I also thank my Spine Zone therapists. Our health is so important to us. I will never take it for granted. I haven't felt this good since before meeting Patrick. I am so pleased for this long road of recovery to have reached the light at the end of the tunnel in 2011.
Namaste! Adieu, 2011!
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