Theres a chance...

I will be coming to Portland in January and be staying until mid february. That is, if everything works out and most importantly, if I find a place for my cat to stay. Heres hoping...

This weekend was really nice. I ate way too much food. And it was food I do not normally eat so I feel kind of bloated. My cat did really well on both the car trip there and back. I really think I can turn him into a gypsy kitty. Then we can travel all over together! I finally saw a White Christmas this weekend. I do not know how I have gotten through life without seeing that movie. My photo shoot on Saturday was really fun and mellow. The photographers were super nice and comfortable to work with. If anyone is curious what I have been up to: www.modelmayhem.com/inesl. This is my online portfolio. The nude pictures wont show up unless you have an account so don't be worried about seeing my naked body! Although, it is what I do most. Getting naked pays way better than keeping your clothes on.

There is an alarm going off in my house somewhere that is seriously getting on my nerves. I must find it and break it!

Sebastopol

I think that is how it is spelled. Anywho, that is where I am going tonight, for the weekend. I have a photo shoot tomorrow for a couple of hours and then Chris and I are going to go do Christmasy things. I miss doing Christmas stuff. We are going to stay at his mom's house and just relax, watch movies, go for walks, hang out with horses, etc. It should be really nice.


I went to a couple of local "festivals" this week. Both of them were at the Crepe Place which is a restaurant/venue. It is a weird venue but they seem to get really good shows and the one last night was sold out. Shaky Hand have played there twice. The first festival on Sunday was the Loves In Heat records festival featuring local bands from the label. Here are the bands that played that night. You should check them out, give 'em some love, support musicians:

James Rabbit
And Hod (amazing voice)
Misty Mountain
Hermit Convention (my friend's amazing solo project)
Room for a Ghost
Moon Cadillac
Mountain Animal Hospital (obviously I like them because Chris is in it, oh and they are good)
Motorcycle Snakebite
Sheena
Depth Charge Revolt (was their CD release)
Harry and the Hitmen (super fun special guest, not on the record label)

Last nights show was a festival to celebrate the Tannery's compilation CD of local bands and solo projects. I am too lazy to look up who played but And Hod played again and Mylo Jenkins headlined. I love them.

Speaking of the Tannery, WE GOT IN!! We finally found out that we passed everything, got through all the damn hoops and will be living in this amazing new artist space. For really cheap. It rules. We should be able to move in in mid february. I'm moving out of my house into a temporary space but am seriously considering just putting my stuff in storage and heading north until the Tannery apartment is ready. I need to be in town for the 10th of January. Also the Shaky Hands are coming on the 16th as well. But after that I should be able to run around for awhile. But what to do with Kitty.....

Land of Medicine Buddha

Goodness. I went on one of the most beautiful hikes yesterday. It was the 6 mile loop hike up at Land of Medicine Buddha which is a Dharma center for practice and education in Buddhism. It is one of the most serene places I have ever been to. They have the largest prayer wheel on the west coast and a gorgeous Gompa with beautiful golden bodhisattva statues. There are little altars everywhere, even in little stumps along the hike. Apparently you can live at the Dharma center and get your meals if you give them 25 hours of work a week. Plus you get the education and practice space. I was thinking about doing that program because it sounds extremely blissful. Please check out the website at http://www.medicinebuddha.org/.

The hike was so pretty. You first hike along a creek with gorgeous redwoods surrounding you. When you stop, you cannot hear any signs of humans; no car noise, people noise. Then you start climbing up and the redwoods give way to oaks and it gets warmer. The sun starts shining through the trees. Once you reach the top, its flat with little meadows. When you start to descend again, the trail gets narrower and you feel like you are encased in wonderful redwoods, bays, oaks and madrones. The air smells so crisp and clean. There was not a section of this hike that was not breathtaking. I would love to do it again by myself and just go slowly and enjoy it. I went with my friend Chone yesterday and that kid walks damn fast. My legs were burning when we got to the top, but man did I sleep really well. We saw some really amazing things and were both really glad we did the whole loop. We had been wanting to do it for awhile.

Every time I go places like that it makes me want to live in the forest. I think this dream would be made easier if I had a car so I could come down from the mountains when I needed to and not die from exhaustion on the way back up. I'm going to try to save up to buy a used car. There is an unincorporated area up in the mountains called Bonny Doon. Its super pretty.

Here is something that is a bummer- My camera is broken. I developed two blank rolls of film which is a HUGE disappointment. Now I have to try to find another film camera, because repairing it will probably be more than the camera is worth. Now I have nothing to take pictures with. It blows.

P.S- that photo is not from our hike. Its from the redwoods near Arcata, but I thought it would be a nice accent to the piece.

Sunshine

Its been sunny here everyday. Do I say that in every blog? Probably. I went for a lovely hike in Nisene Marks on Sunday. I then came home and Chris and I ate chocolate and ice cream and watched Serenity. God I love that movie. River is the most kick ass chick ever. She has the best martial arts skills because she is so graceful. Damn!

On Friday I was supposed to go to this red, black and white themed party at this gallery where I figure model for drawing classes. I put this cute outfit together and HAND STUFFED two cans of big olives with feta cheese. My friends made me a delicious dinner. It was seriously so good. Then we went to a couple of galleries and Chris met us at Felix Kulpa gallery. I went and changed and we went to the "party" which just happened to be OVER. There were like 5 people left, no food, no drink. But man, some of those people really enjoyed my stuffed olives. At least I now have a wonderful new appetizer to bring to parties.

On Saturday I went to a really amazing beach called panther/8 mile beach. It has this big rock that has a little cave in it. Its the perfect place to hang out. You can climb to the top of the rock but it is really sketch and scary. Then that night I babysat this little girl for the first time. She was sooo cute. She can't talk but she tries really hard and rambles off all of these crazy noises that I wanted to record. Then I went and saw a show at Cafe Pergolesi and it was really good. The guy did this sweet acoustic version of that ODB song "baby I got your money" or whatever the title is.

We had our last interview for the Tannery on Saturday morning. It was the artist interview and I found out I had to be there at like 9 the night before. Hopefully it went well and we will know if we get to live there by the end of this week.

Got some modeling gigs coming up which is nice.

Been reading The Spiral Dance by Starhawk and Earth Medicine by Kenneth Meadows. I really want to start going to this botanical aromatherapy school here, but do not really have the funds to do something like that. It would be awesome though.

My friend gave me a scanner today and that rules. He is nice.

Miss you, my portland people. There is a chance I can get up there in Febuary, but it is not definite.

This will probably be a long one

So, I have been reading this book called "Drawing Down the Moon" about druids, goddess worshippers, pagana and so on. It has totally got me thinking about the times we live in, especially after reading about this very far out "religion" called Feraferia. It talks a lot about Utopia, nature living, small communities, peacefulness between humans and animals and technology. Technology is interesting to me. The man who started Feraferia is not in cahoots with technology or cities. It got me thinking about blogs. Who is going to be able to read these in the future? Will they all be wiped out and deleted? Where will all of this information go? It is not like a diary that lasts and can be put into print, like say Frida Kahlo's amazing diary. Future humans are probably not going to find "relic" blogs to publish about history and famous people. It makes me think that I should probably be writing, and I mean ACTUALly writing in a journal as well as on here. I understand the need for technology and use it every day, but it really takes us away from actual life. I like books way better than the internet, but the internet has virtually (whoa, no pun intended) taken over the world of books. People put stories and books online now. Instead of researching a lot of things at the library, we turn to Wikipedia and other online sources. I just do not feel completely confident in our technology crazed world. I have not even gotten a digital camera for fucks sake. I have so many pictures on my computer that I feel will be lost in the eternal abyss of my crappy hard drive someday.

The idea of cities is also another idea these people talk about. They call for smaller communities with more food, less people and no animal agriculture. For the past few years I have been sort of yearning to live on some piece of land in the woods by a river where I grow my own food and live with like minded people. A commune, I suppose you could say. But this idea never really manifests and it may just be because I have not tried hard enough. Also, i do like some of the perks of living in a larger urban area. But every time I go to San Francisco, I cannot possibly imagine living in a space like that where so many people are crammed into such a small area. Its overwhelming and unpleasant. Everything is so smooshed there, if you know what I mean. And its dirty and loud. I used to think I wanted to live there and am not glad I never made that move. What are we doing, being so seperated from each other and nature? We need to get back to our wildness.

I think I should be a Buddhist-Pagan. And maybe throw in some ancient egyptian mythology into the mix. Oh yes, and faerie magic.

Besides from all of these hectic thoughts in my mind, everything is going pretty well. The figure drawing class was fun. I made money, drank wine and met some interesting local artists. One of the guys even gave me one of the pictures he drew of my body. I went to a good show at the Blue Lagoon last night with some awesome local bands like The Spurts, Depth Charge Revolt and Sheena (although I missed this last band). Depth Charge tore up the stage and put on a really good show. The Spurts were really fun.

Peace, my friends.

Moon Rocks

This weekend, my friend Chris took me up this place called the Moon Rocks. It is off of a street called Ice Cream Grade. Not joking. Best street name ever. This place was so awesome and beautiful. It is a bunch of big limestone rocks. We climbed up to the tallest one and watched the end of the sunset which had created the most beautiful colors EVER. It was truly amazing. Then the stars came out and we saw like 3 shooting "stars". One of them was the longest running one I had ever seen. And since we could see stars, that meant it was dark and I had to climb down these rocks and we had one flashlight. It was one of those wind up flashlights that does not need batteries and I somehow ended up breaking the winder part off of the flashlight, so making it wind up and get brighter was really hard. Did I mention I have a weird fear of walking in the dark? Well, I do and its pretty intense so this was pretty scary for me. And we got lost. In the dark, in the woods. Then when we got out to the street, we both felt like we were being watched and I just kept thinking a mountain lion was going to jump out and eat my face off. But the beauty of the place and nature definitely overtook the scary parts. I would do it again in a heartbeat. This area is so damn beautiful in so many ways. The ocean, the cliffs, the redwoods, all of the foresty parks. It is quite breathtaking. Once I move out of this house, I want everyone to come visit me.
Later that night we ate carrot cake, drank wine and watched dumb and dumber. What a good day!

It has been so hot here. I went to the beach on Friday and splashed around in the ocean. It was like 85 degrees. And it lasted until yesterday. Today seems a little cooler, but it is still warm and sunny. It is sooo odd to be hot in November and even more odd to be playing on the beach. Its just what I wanted!

Tonight I will be modeling for a figure drawing class for about 3 hours. I have to be quite still and some of the poses are 45 minutes long. But they are reclining poses, so I may just fall asleep. But I think I get wine and get to listen to jazz, so it should be a nice evening.

Peace, love and harmony, my friends.

Aw, shit yeah

Everything is okay on the homefront. Landlord and I had a little talk. He is still a dumbass, but he is an unhappy grumpy man, so I feel kinda bad for him. I hope I still rule when I'm older, unlike him.

I'm sick. Its really stupid. This is the second cold I have had since moving down here. That aint right. Perhaps it is the climate and life change. Stress and change have a major effect on me.

Its almost full moon. I love love love full moon time. It makes people all crazy. It looks beautiful times 12. Its powerful. I saw Starfucker last night at the Crepe Place. They are from Portland, majorly. It was like I was there, in PDX. When I first came in the bar, there was this kid sitting at the bar and he had this pink sweatshirt on and I said to my friend "I bet that kid is in the Portland band" and sure as shit, he was. They were in full Portland regalia. I think I can use that word in that context. They were a super good band, very fun, danceable and they made me feel like I was in Portland for a little while. Nothing wrong with a little nostalgia. Kudos to Starfucker.
Mountain Animal Hospital played as well and they played damn well. And I'm not just saying that cause they my friends, I saying it cause it true.

Shit, son. Go listen to some Dead Daughter on Myspace. We will fuck your lives up. Then listen to the Big O. Your mind will spasm. Today one of the little boys I babysit said Tyranarexasaurus. It was awesome.

Ugh

Times is a gettin' hard. This is the first bad post I've had to post. I CANNOT STAND my landlord, who lives in the house with me. NEVER live with your landlord. Seriously. I wont get into the specifics, but he has been being a total ass, which has led me to give my notice. I suppose it is not all bad, because I have been contemplating moving anyway, but I wanted to wait to see what was going to happen with the Tannery. Apparently the Universe wanted me out of here a little sooner than I expected. Maybe the universe could also supply me with a job....

Hopefully the no "real" job thing will not prevent me from finding a place to live. I really need a job. I have to stop hating jobs so that my energy changes and can bring one to me instead of repel it. Hopefully I wont be homeless. Although the chances of that are slim, as I do have friends around here. I think stress is starting to make me sick. I am trying to combat it.

I ate a yummy berry crepe with homemade whipped cream today at the Crepe Place. And I did not have to pay for it. That rules. Sometimes photo shoots are nice, even when they are just trade basis, because I usually get fed or at least get a warm drink! And a photographer that I have worked with a couple of times on trade has found me multiple jobs being a model for figure drawing classes.

I went to see the midnight movie at the Del Mar theater for the first time last night. It was Jurrassic Park and it was awesome. Next week is Dead Alive and I am extremely excited about that. The gore in that movie is crazy.

I guess not all is bad.

Oh, Jen

Lovely Jen reminded me that I need to write in this here blog more. And she is right! Don't start a blog and then not write in it!

First things first, the post office has lost my mail. Yep. They never forwarded it to me and now it is lost in the ether. I have to go stand in line AGAIN and make ANOTHER complaint. My dad is a postman. This shouldn't happen to me.

Recap-Halloween was awesome. I got more drunk then I had been in awhile and still managed to make friends who still want to talk me! I was a sexy fairy, cheerleader, disco dancer, vampire, pro wrestler. My friend Chris was Dr. Rockso(?) from some Adult Swim cartoon and I did his helluv creepy clown make up. I could barely look at him all night, I did it so well. We went to a party way too early, so then we went downtown. I felt like I was in Portland. There was a parade of burning man looking stilt walkers parading down the street with mobs of people everywhere. The police were out in full force, mainly because they last few years, people have been stabbed. Two of said stabbed people were my roommates friends and he watched one of the stabbings go down. Yuck. So, the party ended up being great. I told many girls they looked pretty, told one guy I was going to bite his neck, danced, watched bands and drank Sake at the end of the night what I SHOULD HAVE STOPPED. I have not had a hangover in a while and it sucked balls. The pictures above are from a spontaneous Halloween shoot a photographer and I did the day before halloween. It was super fun.

I have applied to live in a new arts apartment complex. It is called the Tannery. Check it out on the web. I want to live there REALLY BAD. I have found some people to sign up for one of the 3 bedrooms so our chance of getting in is way higher. Plus I can be on the studio and 3 bedroom lists at the same time. Hells yeah.

The modeling has been going pretty well. Mostly trade work right now, but I actually made enough last month from modeling to pay the rent. Sweet! Looks like being born to pretty parents has paid off.

Every day I am excited to be here, even though I barely have any money and cannot find a job! I really like this place and am hoping with all of my hope cells that I find some work soon. Please send a message out to the universe for me. All help is appreciated.

Did I write about how the Shaky Hands were here 2 weeks ago? Cant remember. Well, they were and they stayed at my house for 2 nights and played at the Crepe Place. It was great to see some Portland people and hang out with them on the beach. I truly enjoyed it. Now they are in need of some help. Somehow their tour ended in Austin, but they live in Portland. If you know of anyone who would like to have them play anywhere between Austin and Portland, find them in my friends on Myspace and let them know. They really need the help!

There is not a cloud in the sky today and it is gorgeous. I love you all. Dont forget to eat lots of raw fruits and vegetables.

Good times

Seriously. My life down here is pretty awesome. I know I keep saying that, but its been so good. Today I had a really amazing photo shoot with a photographer who made me feel comfortable and amused me the entire time with his interesting stories. I expect to get some good images. Plus, I made 100 bucks and he rented me a car. That means I get to go grocery shopping tomorrow and return library books, all without lugging it on my bike. Blessed!

I went to a couple of parties today as well. One was a dorky tourist party that I totally would have dressed up for had I known and been prepared. There were some pretty awesome outfits and some tasty sangria. Then we went to another party that was way more chill. I got to eat some delightful pumpkin cheesecake and drink hot apple cider. And I mean hot. Damn hot. It burned the shrit out of my tongue.

The only thing I am lacking here is consistent funds. The modeling shit pays well, but I do not always have work from week to week. I feel like things are moving in a good path though.

Things to remember: Cats are very allergic to tea tree oil, olive oil is carcinogenic when cooked on high heat, smoothies taste great with some avocado and salad greens in them, people look awesome in pictures when saying certain words, and animals are very sensitive to our moods.

I also learned that you will never hear the same ringing in your ears at a loud show that you did at your last loud show. It seems the same, but the frequencies are actually different. Thats you losing a little bit of your hearing. Wear ear plugs.

Love and peace

Beachy times

This is what I wrote at the beach today:

Today is a great day. I babysat and made some money. The kids were hilarious today. I met with a photographer who is stoked to work with me. Now I'm on the beach and the weather is beautiful. My pants are wet with ocean. The negative ions are soaking in. I can look over and see the roller coaster. I'm waiting for the farmer's market to open so I can get some delicious organic, local produce. I love that while I wait for the next event to happen, I can just pop on down to the beach. Beach towns are great. I got B/W film today so I can start taking photographs again. There is a dead, rotting sea lion on the beach. I can hear his friends barking in the distance. Fall asleep to that at night, it's amazing. This dog smells like a skunk.
Sand fleas, seaweed, sand
Sandals, sweatshirt, sails
I sit at the beach and wonder: why don't I have a friend with a sailboat?! The coast guard boat is huge. Cherries are perfection. Monterey Bay is teeming with sea life. I adore pelicans. They have webbed feet. Apparently they don't come out this early. English prevails.



Hhhmm. Very interesting. I actually could have gone to the farmer's market because I thought they opened at 3, but actually they opened at 1. But then I would have never gone to the beach. Delightful. While I was at the Farmers market, a friend was there and we hung out and then others joined us and then we rode bikes, ate and had good times. Then I listened to the Dead Daughter recording from Kimo's and it was mixed all weird, but I was not so bad at playing the air synth. Yes, its a real instrument.
I have had way too much sugar the past few days. Ugh.

The beginnings of a great SC blog

Oh my, my first blog!

I am starting this blog to let people know what I am up to down here in Santa Cruz. Just keeping in touch. Plus, I need a reason to get creative and write some interesting posts. I like writing, I just never do it.

The weather here has been a blessing. Today was clear, sunny and near 80 degrees. I had a photo shoot today and we went up to UCSC and walked on the paths in the redwood forest behind the school. These are not the huge redwoods you may be envisioning. They are still very beautiful and it smelled so nice and fresh back there. The photographer is going to let me use his darkroom so now I absolutely have to start photographing again. Thank Goddess.

I live in a crazy house with chimes on all the doors to the outside. The owner makes wild found object/antiques sculptures. They are all over the house and yard. It is up on this hill with an amazing view of a small canyon from the back deck. There are deer that roam around, a family or two of racoons, owls and lots of different types of birds. Very peaceful. All I can hear right now are crickets outside of my windows. Well that and the Fugees playing in the background.

Blessings and love, my friends