My Mother's Thanksgiving

This year, my mother has decided on hosting Thanksgiving. Her hyper-organization is just reflective of her excitement for the upcoming American feeding frenzy. Note: Thanksgiving is not celebrated in the Philippines, where my family is from. This is their interpretation.

Here was this morning's email:

Mi Familia,

Please see the attached spreadsheet, items which we recommend. You will notice that there are many non-food items. You are free to substitute any of the items. Dawn has the first choice for dessert. Phil, I think you will have to coordinate with the parents of minor children with regards to entertainment. Also, we need drivers for carpooling (save the environment) - you will get preferred parking and Mama's lengua.


Call me at XXX-XXX-XXXX or XXX-XXX-XXXX for special needs.


Shelagh asked what is the meaning of life? The answer is on page 42.



Beibi

Here is the aforementioned spreadsheet: (Note option 22: Outdoor heaters/fireplace)

New Hobby: Skateboarding

Venice's compact geography makes getting around fairly easy. Just enough for me to become curious about other convenient modes of transportation: like walking, biking and now, a skateboard.

Mike was inspired to skate again. So he put me on one of his old trick boards and oh dear, was that a horrid sight. Since I hadn't ridden a skateboard for almost 2 years, I needed some time to re-learn how to ride. It took nearly 35 mins for me to go to the bank only 2 blocks away. Thank you, lack of coordination and fear of falling. While I trailed behind, Mike was up ahead hearing my girlish screams as I made my way.

With the trick board not being so successful, he got me the board above. Something small and user-friendly. Just for going places. Lorenzo got a mini longboard one! The three of us skated on our new boards in a parking lot until it was already dark out. I managed to be the only one who took a spill, but that was predictable to anyone who knows me. Looks like we have a new obsession.

Michelle Obama: Fashion Icon?

So Anna Wintour, Vogue's Editor in Chief, has invited Future First Lady, Michelle Obama, to pose on the cover of Vogue. It's been a tradition for the fashion publication to feature first ladies.

I think she's a remarkable woman. She's the tops! I just fantasize that she embraces her inner Wilhemina Slater and becomes a fierce fashion icon. Lord knows that the JCrew ensemble from the Tonight Show won't cut it. Does she want to be a Jackie O or a Jackie No?! This is her time to shine! Oscar De La Renta! Something! I hope she does the cover of Vogue. I'd love to have a fashionable first lady. Of course I want her to maintain her integrity, but who doesn't want to see her wearing couture? The other first ladies all wore De La Renta...but that's because they had to counter their unattractiveness. Michelle would certainly work it.

Bridal Battery : Monique Lhuillier Sample Sale

Carb up and get a good night's rest. It's time for the Monique Lhuillier Sample Sale! My last memory of this sale is dodging concussions among flying silk dresses and nearly nude brides to be. Exciting times! But my boss did score a deal on a lovely gown that made for those elegant and fashion-like wedding photos...

Monique Lhuillier Sample Sale
Sunday 10a-5p
1201 S. Grand Ave, 2nd Floor
Los Angeles, CA
323 655 1088

President Barack Obama

Sounds good, huh?

Our New First Family

Los Angeles and Richard Wagner

So the LA Opera Director, Placido Domingo (who knew?!) just announced that there will be a 10 week art festival celebrating The Ring by Richard Wagner. The big guys in charge want to put us through a 10-week cultural bootcamp so we can become a "cultural mecca." Exciting.

America and our Gluttocracy

Does anyone find it funny that we get free gluttony with our right to vote? Free coffee. Free donut. Free ice cream. I do. I think it's great! Next, I'd like some free sloth. For instance, maybe a free carwash or pedicure with my ballot stub and empowered "I Voted" sticker.

More Election Fun

By artist Patrick Moberg

Thanks, Lorenzo

An apology

To anyone who saw the Yes on Prop 8 ads on my blog. I want to say that Google had posted that ad. So just to clarify where I stand on Proposition 8, I will say No on Prop 8!

Venice Beach Wines

I would never describe myself as a beach person. Even after being a UCSC Banana Slug in Santa Cruz, one of California's favorite surfing destinations, I still hadn't embraced the idea of being a flip-flopper. But places like Venice Beach Wines make it easy for me to forget my beach biases.

Venice Beach Wines is probably the size of my studio apartment. Tucked away in a house within the residential parts of Venice, VBW is a gem for the locals. (Note: I can't say enough about how much I love houses turned into businesses.) Their candlelit patio is modest with merely wooden benches and old wine crates for resting your glasses and cheese plates. They have a wide selection of wines to choose from (line entirely borrowed from a BevMo ad) and have great cheeses and charcuterie to munch on. A nice intimate place to bring another or to meet and greet with other people from the area. Because it's so quaint and so convenient, the patio tends to get full. But no worries, you can always buy a bottle and pedal somewhere else.

Venice Beach Wines
529 Rose Ave
Venice, CA 90291

Happy Election Day!

What I did on Halloween

Fell asleep to this movie.

Time and Happiness

If You and I are going at the same pace towards the same destination (Let destination = happy) in parallel life-pods, I don't care how you furnish it or what's on your ipod. Take whichever way you want. Pace yourself. Don't be alarmed by my apathy. They know. I have to maintain my energy and momentum for my plush pod. Surely if I notice some sort of unnecessary detour, derailment, or flat tire, I will pause and help. Care. Hopefully, they know. You seem to be doing well. I know.

Who is you? #10

OK, so I admit I had a distaste for you at first. But now after some thought, I really do like you.



You = Venice, CA

Your walkability/bike friendly streets that lead to cozy tucked away houses turned restaurants (just like Portland, OR!) are peacemaking. Pockets of architecture mixed with 60's hippy leanings make for a lovable combination. The fact that your history has deterred chains is respectable not to mention your community of giving, friendly, free spirits add a unique charm all its own.

My Pumpkin

Some people haven't grasped the concept. Idiots.

Happy Halloween!

More Illustrator: Mikey's Friend, Bute

So, I decided that Mikey needed a friend. Without further ado, I introduce, Bute:


And I made them the new spokesmodels for No on Prop 8. Way to go, boys!

My Penguins Are Getting Dressed for Halloween

JASON

GREEN MAN (fr Sunny In Philadelphia)

HUNTER S THOMPSON

JAMESON STEELE, GILDED AGE STEEL BARON OF SOUTH DAKOTA (inspired by Lorenzo)

SARAH PALIN

KANYE WEST

More Illustrator stuff

Fawcett Residence for SALE!

This Frank Lloyd Wright home is on sale for only $2.7 million. I'll let my realtor know immediately.

Look who's learning Illustrator!

Some characters I created:

Lorenzo used the bunny in his photography via Photoshop:

My Photoshop Lessons: Intro

Working within the Photoshop industry, I decided it was time to familiarize myself with the software. With the help of Photoshop superwizard, Mikey, I've made some progress and recorded it here.

Early stage: Frustration

Paint Brushing Technique

Layers and Textures Exploration


Pen Tool

Tinting and Masking Exploration

Evidently, I have lots of learning left to do. Will update soon.

Austin: World Record for Largest Thriller Dance

The previous record for number of people doing the Thriller dance was 140. The people of Austin, TX obliterated that dwarf-like number with a whopping 881 dancers! I think Los Angeles has some work to do.

Thanks John Ptucha

Defending Change

Themes of change have been most apparent in the airwaves lately thanks to Senator Obama's historical campaign. This notion of change being needed and positive, however, is exceptional in itself because we human creatures of comfort have a distaste, near loathing, for changing.

Surely we have tendencies towards boredom and we'll remedy this with some irresponsible act that will live in gossip beyond our days. We'll crave something or someone constant. Something like home. You know it. It's not so much the advancement, we have trouble when we have nowhere to return when all is done. Security. Honestly.

But let's go micro. Let's discuss how change in those moments of survival should not be viewed in such a monster-like light. Not so much deterioration but evolution. We phase in and out to always be further our development. Surely we've witnessed patterns of devolution and stagnant progress, but we should be considerate of our separate paces and tracks. And that in times of changing, sometimes it's a matter of shifting gears rather than detrimental steps in a negative direction.

Fleeting patterns seem to make us very nervous about change. But when it happens, shudder not. As that moment of change passes, another one is constantly being created. Thus leaving us with this: the only constant we have is change. Werewolf or giant cockroach, we move forward.

My new office

As some of you already know, I have a new job. And they really are treating me well. I took a few photos.


My own office

Fancy chair

Two monitors like the cool kids have.

Thanks, Tita Mynna

Don't you hate it

when you look into the mirror and realize you've turned into a giant peppermint patty?

Spasmodic Notes on Success

We constantly try to define success. Whether it be measured on a monetary scale or the proportional progression in life steps (college degree-great job-house-family), or even a perceptible amount of happiness, or hell, a combination of all three, we decide which techniques and philosophies to live by in order to achieve that level of self-assurance and accomplishment that just beams "I made it."

While I do experiment with various methods, I find satisfaction in the goal-oriented model. OK, don't jump to any conclusions, spirtual guidance hipster. It's not the ancient practice of any organized group. A man who changed the direction of my life, Billy P, told me he got to where he was by visualizing.

Note: Use discretion in repeating the "I'm a really good visual thinker because I'm an artist" cliché. People will most likely notice your awful haircut or poor wardrobe choice and conclude that you should have visually thought about your appearance more.

So I put this to the test the other day and many days before. I was in my car rolling down La Brea Ave with my gas gauge reading EMPTY, YOU PROCRASTINATOR. With today's high gas prices, I avoid the gas station like the plague. So this is when I utilize the visualization and meditation: I repeat "You will make it to the gas station" to myself and picture myself reaching the gas pump without the help of tow truck. SUCCESS I MADE IT! Thus proving that visualization does bring success in the form of happiness as evident in my celebration dance at the gas station.

New definition of success: biological need to emit happiness through genuinely ugly violent gestures.

The Cost of War by Ab5trax

Ryan, Seaton and Hunter go political! See more of their work here: Ab5trax

Furious Little Cinnamon Bun

Good Morning!

Home video of me from last Friday

I like your work, Mr. Piven

Jeremy Piven is my favorite TV actor because of his role as the deviant but warm blooded fast-talking hug it out agent, Ari Gold in Entourage.

Dear Car,

This letter is to let you know that I still care. I'm sorry that luck had staked a rusty 4 inch nail in your tire. Or the time some lunatic hit your mirror off, or the time a startled old lady drove her car right into you, or the time a beastly amount tire debris tried to make out with you and ripped part of your face off. (That piece will be replaced, I promise)
Also, I apologize that I had spilled gesso all over your back seat and my father signed his name on the stain, you're still so dependable. I met another artist girl who got gesso in her backseat too. You're not alone! Your battery failed last night, but you know, that's OK. It happens to the best of us. Just remember, as Ramon the AAA car battery pro assured, you were still the best car of 2005.

Weather Report for 10/20

I cannot see the Hollywood sign from my window thanks to brown haze. Above it the sky is blue. It's about 70 degrees. I wore the faux fur anyway.


For breakfast, I'm having coffee and bagels. No bagels for the bad people today. Office policy.

Who is You? #10

Will you just go forward already? My car can only take so much agony.



You = Mercury, my least favorite planet in our solar system.

I love Dolly Parton and so does Henry Kissinger

I just remembered how much I enjoyed this photo. Scrutinized for days, but I hadn't come to a conclusion that "Dolly" was actually Dolly or just a man dressed as Dolly. Look at the hands. A bit manly no?