Day 203 - Early Retirement

("Lolita" February 2013 by Jenn Arguin)

Day 203 - "Zungguzungguguzungguzen" by Yellowman

I am amongst the many people who dream about winning the lottery and an early retirement. I wouldn't necessarily say that I want to retire, I merely want to have the freedom to what I please with every single one of my days. There are a few books that people have recommended that I read to reach my goals ("The Wealthy Barber" by David Chilton and "The 4 Hour Work Week" by Tim Ferriss). They have been on my list of books to read for a few years as there are too many good books to read. I rarely read because I am busy running around like a crazy person engaging in my amusing adventures. There is so much to do in so little time (202 more days)!

For the first time I sat down with a financial advisor and actually discussed saving money for retirement. I have been living my life very freely and taking every day as it comes while never really preparing for the long term future. It seems so far away and I am the type of person who thrives by enjoying life right now. I received a lot of good advice from my advisor but I thought I would do some quick calculations on my own. I figure I need to save approximately $1.8 million to retire by the time I am 50 years old. I broke it down to map out where this $1.8 million is going to come from. I am hoping my property  increases in value and will be paid off by the time I am 50 plus the increase in value (about 1/4 of my retirement fund)...I plan to sell a ton of my art work (another 1/4 of my retirement fund)...hmmm personal savings from various methods of employment (another 1/4 of my retirement fund)...and of course my secret project that I have only told my closest friends about (definitely 1/4 if not 1/2 of my retirement fund). Perfect! My retirement fund is set up beautifully.

Now back to painting...

xox

Day 204 - Keeping Farrah Alive

(Powder Pirates, 2011)

Day 204 - "Hot Mess" by Chromeo feat. La Roux

Farrah was on my mind all day today as this evening I attended the orientation to begin volunteering at her last workplace CNIB. I have never worked with any visually impaired people nor am I close with any person who suffers from vision loss. The orientation began with the brief story about how CNIB was founded in 1918 to aid veterans returning home blind from World War I. Prior to CNIB there were no organizations nor programs in place to assist the blind veterans. I learned about the different types of eye conditions and how the majority of visually impaired people still have some of their sight, but it's very minimal. As an exercise they blindfolded us and we had a guided walk around the building, even up and down stairs, with no sight...just our balance and grasping the arm of our guide. It took a lot to hold myself back from crying for two reasons:
1) I CHERISH BEING ABLE TO SEE and 2) damn you Farrah, I miss you and your crazy antics.

Reflection: Think about this morning while you were pouring yourself a cup of coffee or tea and while pouring you are staring at the mug...pouring slowly until the liquid has reached the brim of the mug. Now think about (don't do) doing the same action but with your eyes closed. Welcome to one small part of living life with a visual impairment. I was taught just a few things about independent living for the visually impaired during the orientation and I am looking forward to learning more in order to really be of assistance in this volunteer role. 

xox

Day 205 - The Female Form

Day 205 - "Falling in Love with Brazil" Haley vs Deadmau5

Everyday new people are introduced into my life and it's always an exciting day when the new person happens to be a vibrant little ball of wild energy. As I do every week, I invite friends over to paint and Monday night was a successful night of creativity. A new friend came over and told stories about Motion Notion, Shambala and running wild in the forest while dressing in crazy outfits (and wearing body paint of course). I have never done body painting before but thought it would be fun place to begin by doing body paint on a figure drawing.

I had started out with my lady figure here...she is the cornerstone painting to my new series titled "The Female Form". I am slowly but passionately working away on her, trying to figure out what will perfectly accentuate her curves. I am so scared to work on a painting that I am already enamoured with and she is one of them! I bravely chose my next colour and gently laid down a few strokes. A few strokes became many and there I have it, she is still beautiful.

She is not quite complete...but the night grew late so she shall have to wait. After asking a few friends for feedback on this particular painting, I was delighted by all of the positive responses! This painting might be sold before I even finish. A great start to an emotional and bewitching series. 

The Female Form. "The intention of this is to be beautiful. To signify and embody beauty." - J.A. 2009

xox

Post update....on Day 203 she was completed. Quiero presentar a usted..."Lolita":

Day 206 - Sunday Funday

(Everyone must be smiling while looking at this adorable little face, MISS YOU!)

Day 206 - "4AM" by Kaskade (Adam K and Soha Remix)

What a wonderful day it was with a variety of friends. I woke up in the morning with no energy and ready to lounge in bed all day. I was lucky to get a text from a lovely friend telling me that crepes would be ready and on the table in 15 minutes and to get my butt over there. After enjoying the delicious crepes in the company of amazing friends, I went back home to tackle my list of things to do and re-assess my List of Justice.

The List of Justice

1) Sky Diving - thinking about doing this in June-July in Golden...gathering crazy people to join me at this point in time. 

2) A New Piercing

3) Learn to Play an Instrument - eek, I need to get on practicing as my next lesson is in a few days.

4) Drive a Race Car - thinking in Las Vegas in July, my youngest sister turns 21 on July 16, what a great opportunity to head down there.

5) A New Tattoo - mapping this out in my brain, I have the idea but need to start drawing it out.

6) Fly in a Helicopter - HOPING to accomplish to next week!

7) Learn How to do the Splits -  doing my stretches every other day.

8) Acquire my Motorcycle License - have not looked into this yet, waiting until warmer weather.

9) Take Pole Dancing Classes - signed up! Classes begin April 3rd. 

10) Travel to a New Country - still contemplating which country it shall be...but thinking the first week of August will be the time to fly!

Work done. The I went to a friend's parents house for a family dinner and then hung out with more friends after that! I miss my family in Saskatchewan every day but today I saw so many people that I love. I went to bed smiling. I <3 my life.

xox

Day 207 - Knowledge is Life Saving

Day 207 - "Say It's Possible" by Terra Naomi

Knowledge is Power life saving.

I work in a few dental offices in Calgary and each office is unique in it's own way. I have learned so much from each office, especially from the dentists. Living Well Dental is one offices that I work at and through a holistic approach and they evaluate your overall health, not just your teeth.

While I was working at another dental office, a new patient told me she was very concerned because she felt that any type of dental material that went into her mouth made her very ill. She just had a temporary crown placed in her mouth and her faced became swollen as a result of this. Her dentist (I'm not sure the name of this dentist) advised her that she would be fine once the permanent crown was cemented in. She was terrified as she thought "what if I'm allergic to the permanent cement and I react even more!". She decided to seek out a second opinion before having her dentist complete her dental work. I felt so lucky that she shared her story with me because I actually had an answer for her. I couldn't wait to shout out Dr. Robertson,  you need to see Dr. Robertson! I went into detail about a process called called biocompatibility testing. With this testing she can have her  blood tested against all dental materials to find out which ones she is allergic to and her dentist can avoid using those materials. She was more than grateful that she, by chance, spoke to me about her dental concerns because she has been looking for answers and no one seemed to have one for her...not even her own dentist at the time. After she saw Dr. Robertson she told me "you saved my life"...those are powerful words. I realize I didn't save her life but I definitely helped improve her health by guiding her to the right dentist. Now her dentist is Dr. Robertson and she is very happy and very healthy because she is in good hands.

It's a good day today. Helping others and reflecting on those lifting experiences makes a person happier. A long time ago my mom had this sheet of paper posted on our fridge that said "every day do three good deeds that go unnoticed", basically do three good deeds and do them to help others, not to feel good about doing the deed. That's a tough challenge, but one to keep in mind.

Remember...brush and floss everyday!

xox

Day 208 - Tranquility

(Cuddling up to my niece, fell asleep great but awoke to her flailing limbs.)

Day 208 - "Any Other Name" by Thomas Newman

Recently I went back to working only four days a week (instead of five days) and it's been such a pleasant change in my week! Friday's are my personal "work" day where I challenge myself to a large list of things to accomplish. My list usually contains tasks involving painting, photography and travel/adventure planning. This Friday I allowed myself to have a day off and completely relax. I honestly didn't accomplish anything more than cleaning my camera, browsing helicopter tours in the rockies and catching up with a friend over lunch. At times I can be too high strung and try to accomplish too many things that I forget to slow down and let my mind and body rest.

My goal of the day was to relax and that task was accomplished! A quiet and enjoyable day in my world :) It's the weekend, kick up your feet!

(San Diego trip way too long ago, can't wait for my Cali trip in two months!)

xox

Day 209 - Pose for the Pencil

Day 209 - "Pa Pa Power" by Dead Man's Bones

I have attempted numerous times in my life to draw human figures and they always end up looking like blobs or misshaped stick figures. Lately I have been imagining drawing human figures or individual body parts on top of my finished acrylic paintings. I have ventured out and painted an eye on a canvas and I loved the way it brought the piece together. That particular piece had been missing something for years and finally this beautiful eye completed it.

Gorilla House offers drop in figure drawing classes on Thursday nights and this was a great place to begin learning. I packed my pencils and sketch pads that have never been used along with a couple of my girls! We all sat in a circle with our pencils in hand, waiting for the night to begin. I didn't know what to expect from a "figure" drawing class, I had thought it was going to be learning how to draw different body parts. There was a lady without a sketch pad standing at the front of the room in a sarong wrapped around her body. The instructor said "let's begin with a few five minute poses to warm up" and lo and behold the woman dropped her sarong and set her self into a nude pose. In the past I have never signed up for a nude drawing class because I thought I would be too shy to draw ALL of the body parts, especially of someone present! Everyone started drawing as quickly as they could to capture the pose.

After the few five minute warm ups the instructor took a few people aside and gave us a lesson on negative drawing. He said we shouldn't focus on the shape of the object itself, we should focus on the shape of the space around the object. He drew a few examples for us to describe in better detail what he was trying to explain and then sent us back to draw again. The next few poses were twenty minute poses.

I couldn't tell if I was getting better or not but the challenges were great helpful to give my mind and pencil guidance. I drew a few other poses with the negative drawing and realized that I will have to continue practicing that technique to really comprehend that method of capturing an image. I am also thinking that I should begin with more basic images such as inanimate objects (hmm..but no flowers vases or fruit bowls for this girl). Nevertheless when I got home I thought I would try again to draw a figurative pose and this emerged:

I am quite content with my last drawing! I had the calm silence of my home to really concentrate and not feel the time pressure. I learned a lot from all of these sketches and can definitely see what I need to practice. Yay for learning a new skill!

xox

Day 210 - Tiny Downfalls

Day 210 - "Summertime Sadness" by Lana Del Rey

I was really looking forward to the day when I woke but it was a day that should have been spent in bed. It can be difficult trying to be optimistic and positive all of the time especially when you are an emotional person. Some days are too oppressive and defeat should be admitted. I pushed through the day and alas...I've survived the wretched Wednesday and made it to Thursday.

The highlight of my day was going to Gorilla House LIVE ART for the second time since learning about the studio. The night was fun as I had pleasant company with me but I was not impressed with the painting that emerged from my fingers. There were many amazing pieces that went for auction, it  was really incredible to see new artist's talents. I will still share photos of my  work in progress and the end result, even though I believe my painting is far from amazing. Again they gave us three topics to choose from for our inspiration but none of the topics were inspiring to me and I didn't feel like I had any inspiration in me haha I should really stop typing as the words are finding themselves further and further away from positivity.

The topics were: donkey, naturalism and some sore of fly/bee/wasp insect. Here are the "lovely" photos of my work:

(No name...maybe it's a work of art, maybe my negative emotions can't let me see past my bad day or maybe i should paint over it!!!)

To check out an amazing short little video that was done from this night, check it out here Gorilla. You will see Renee and I painting away!

"But man is not made for defeat. A man can be destroyed but not defeated". Ernest Hemingway

Tomorrow is a new day and next Wednesday is a new week! Perhaps inspiration shall find me then...

xox

Day 211 - Musical Elegance

(First guitar, my air guitar)

Day 211 - "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" By Taylor Swift (Acoustic Version)

For the first time in my life I finally had a guitar lesson! I have been procrastinating this journey for too many years. Truthfully two things that were holding me back from attempting to learn were; I've never thought myself to be very musical person and the guitar looked like a very difficult instrument to learn. Then again before I moved to Calgary I had never thought myself to be an "artsy" person and the next thing you know I'm an abstract artist and photographer. When I first bought a blank canvas and paint I had no idea what type of poetic elegance would be emerging from my fingers. Lo and behold is the first painting that motivated me to keep on composing:

("Pura Vida" 2010 by: Jenn Arguin)

I had a similar feeling of the blank canvas with brush in hand when I picked up my guitar and pick for my first lesson. Learning chords on the guitar is definitely more difficult than painting colours onto a canvas. After a bit of instruction I had a huge grin on my face because I had I nailed a my chords. I can proudly say that I know how to read and play the chords to my first song! My instructor had asked me what song I wanted to learn and naturally I said anything by Taylor Swift. He surprisingly knew one song to teach me and incidentally it was the song listed above "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together".  I am not quite able to play at the appropriate speed of the song as my poor fingers are still learning how to maneuver themselves on the strings and between the frets.

Patience grasshopper, I still have four weeks before I see my nieces again :)

xox

Day 212 - Kaleidoscopic

(Synergy, 36"x 24", February 2013 by: moi )

Day 212 - "Rainbow Country" By Bob Marley (Remix)

It was a Bob Marley type of evening while I was putting the finishing touches on my newest paintings. I had the pleasure of company while painting and this benefited in choosing my colours because every person provokes me to use different colours depending on their personality and mood. Each painting has a story behind it and it is a wonderful feeling to take in each completed piece and recall all of the energy that went in to the masterpiece. Most of the time I love my paintings...and some times I despise what I have done to the the canvas! But never fear as one can always paint over top of an undesirable painting. Thinking back to those canvases, I really should take before and after photos for the ones that have taken such a intense change in direction.

My best example for a change in direction would have been my last Gorilla Art experience. I plan on going to Gorilla Art again this Wednesday and I am very excited to see where the night will take me! I am so inspired by thinking about all of the artists that will be there with their unique talents. Amazing pieces emerge from the artists hands within such a short period of time. I am especially fond of the portrait style paintings. Hmmmm I think I might have to put a bit more paint on a canvas before bed while the inspiration is so strong...

xox

(Red Envelope, 30" x 40" February 2013 by moi)

Day 213 - New Year's Resolutions Everyday

(Staring down the sugary goodness at a candy shop in Banff. December is my month to abstain from sugar...see my pain?)

Day 213 - "You've Got the Love" by Florence and the Machine

It's always uplifting to hear about friends making personal resolutions to challenge themselves to make their lives better. Resolutions can be very difficult to stick with, regardless of whether it's abstaining from something unhealthy that you really enjoy indulging in or trying to encourage a healthy activity in your life.

My one group of friends have decided to abstain from alcohol and smoking for nine weeks until Coachella is upon us. I was so happy to hear about this challenge. It gives me heighten confidence in myself that I too can stick to my resolutions and goals. It will be very interesting to observe their next nine weeks to see what types of interests, hobbies and entertainments they fill their evenings and weekends with that don't involve boozing and smoking. As I am currently in the space where I am trying to fill each day with fascinating and magnetic fun, I hope to include my friends on my adventures to support their cause.

(Always trying something new, first time eating a frog's leg! It taste like a chicken wing, quite yummy.)

I've been enjoying writing my blog because it helps me keep focused on all of my goals, especially pertaining to the items on my List Of Justice. What was your New Year's Resolution? Have you stuck with it? Make one positive resolution for yourself for just this week.

xox

Day 214 - What Do I Desire?

Day 214 - "Room for Happiness" by Kaskade feat. Skylar Grey

At the end of the night I was reading a "For Dummies" book that I've had on my book shelf since I first moved to Calgary almost five years ago. This series of educational books are perfect for breaking down information in the simplest terms to make it easy to understand what points the author is trying to get across to the reader. As nerdy as I may sound, the book is called "Neuro-linguistic Programming for Dummies" aka NLP. The topic of NLP is one I often bring up in conversation because I find the though process so fascinating. NLP is called "the art and science of communication", but in my words it's a way of thinking that; helps you understand others/putting yourself in their shoes, helps you change your life for the better, helps you to be more positive and being open minded, helps you to be aware of everything around you!

Coincidentally a friend had recently posted a video on Facebook called "What if Money Didn't Matter?" by Alan Watts and it really had me thinking about positive change in my life.

In this video the narrator asks "What would you like to do if money were no object, how would you really enjoy spending your life?"

My answer(s) would be that I would like:
- to do abstract painting and host art shows with my work
- to be an adventure, portrait and travel photographer
- to make music, write songs and then play my music
- to write books, both fiction and non-fiction
- to be in love with a man who thinks the way I do then to have children and teach them all of the artsy things we know while running around the world together

The narrator then says "You do that and forget the money. Because if you say that getting the money is the most important thing then you will spend your life completely wasting your time. You will be doing things you don't like doing in order to go on doing things you don't like doing...which is stupid.".

I could continue quoting this three minute video clip but it's much better listening to him speak his words and hear the way he emphasizes his message. It has been another inspiring day leading to my goals for Sunday...paint, paint, touch my guitar, paint and then write!

xox

Day 215 - Taylor Swift

Day 215 - "I Knew You Were Trouble" by Taylor Swift (acoustic version)

Admittedly...I love Taylor Swift. Her music, youth and energy combined satisfy my girly pleasures. Not to mention my two nieces also love Taylor Swift's music and they love to have dance parties in the living room to her music videos! Every Saskatoon visit includes rocking out to Taylor and Carrie Underwood. Their dad is a HUGE country music fan and the girls follow suit. My five year old niece basically knows all of the lyrics to her favourite songs by Taylor and Carrie.

Naturally I have chosen a Taylor Swift song as my first one to learn on my GUITAR!

3. Learn How to Play an Instrument

I bought my acoustic guitar about six months ago and sadly I haven't touched it yet. Today I pulled it out of the case to familiarize myself with her. Hmmm I think she needs a name. I will come back to that one. So I picked her up and honestly the only song I know on the piano is Mary Had a Little Lamb and that is also the only song I know how to "play" on the guitar. Lessons will come in handy to aid me in moving past nursery rhymes. Hopefully I will be able to play a song before the end of the summer. My goal is to learn the lyrics and the guitar chords to a few of Taylor's songs so I can rock out for my nieces. I can't wait to surprise them with my soon-to-be musical gift! My guitar lessons begin on Tuesday...wish me luck.

xox

Day 216 - Synchronicity

(To the first woman I ever fell in love with, thank you for being an amazing friend throughout the years)

Day 216 - "Fade" by Jakwob ft. Maiday

(Ah! Very late post, finally found the time to sit down at my computer...)

Synchronicity is the experience of two or more events that are apparently casually unrelated or unlikely to occur together by chance, yet are experienced as occurring together in a meaningful manner.

A few years ago I read the book "The Celestine Prophecy" by James Redfield. The main character in the book was in a transitional period of his life and on a personal journey. The character begins to notice instances of synchronicity in his life and I was instantly captivated by the concept. I took this concept and applied it to people that were introduced into my life. While initiating conversation I tried to touch base on a few topics or passions in my life to see if we had a mutual connection. During this experiment I had learned so many new things about people, events and things to do. A recent example would be was when I was having my hair cut by my hairdresser in Calgary and I started talking about my abstract paintings. Sure enough she is also an abstract artist but slightly timid about her arts. She was the angel who told me about the Gorilla House LIVE ART night. Thinking back to that conversation, if I hadn't randomly brought up painting as my choice of topic to discuss while sitting in the hair salon...who knows if I would have found out about Gorilla House.

Those types of experiences in life remind me to be open with others and share my stories while listening to their stories as well. Synchronicity is also a good way to reflect on another concept - that everyone is brought into your life for a reason. In come instances the reason may not be clear in the beginning, but in the grand scheme of things...it all comes together.

I am so grateful for all of the amazing people in my life, especially those who I celebrated v-day with this year!

Happy Valentine's Day <3

xox

Day 217 - Gorilla House LIVE ART

Day 217 - "Hits Me Like a Rock" by CSS

This is a story about a fascinating art studio and art gallery in Calgary. It's called Gorilla House and every Wednesday night they have a LIVE ART studio.

On this day of the week artists of all kinds (painting, drawing, spray painting, etc) gather and create art in each others creative presence! At 7pm the host of the studio spins a wheel and three different topics are chosen.

The artists choose a topic and try to create a piece of art based on this topic. While the artists are at work the doors are open to the public to walk through the giant studio and watch the artists create their masterpieces. At 9pm an auction is held and all of the work completed that night is auctioned off. Half of the profit is returned to the artist and the other half of the profit goes towards keeping Gorilla House alive. I only recently discovered this studio and love the concept! I have never painted under time pressure before but I am quite content with my end results. Here are a few photos showing the progression of my painting:

 TA DA!!

May I introduce you to "Digital Funk". Can you guess which topic from the wheel I chose as my inspiration?

Calvin and Hobbs - Calvin bathing in an upside down umbrella

This YouTube clip gives you an example of how the evening usually progresses: Gorilla House Live Art - 26
Digital Funk sold fast in the auction and I will definitely be back for another challenge.

xox

P.S. Thank you to Renee and Cortney for being there for me that night.

Day 218 - New and Young Artists

(my niece in the process of creating her masterpiece)

Day 218 - "Kids" by MGMT 

My favorite activity to do with my older niece is to be rolling around in acrylic paint and watching her creativeness unfold before my eyes. It's similar to watching a suspenseful movie and you have NO idea what will be coming next! She chooses her own colors then goes with the flow of her brush while gently painting the canvas. Her method of painting is comparable to mine...with pure emotion and randomness. She is a true abstract artist.

I've thought about instructing abstract art classes to both adults and children. I often have friends over to paint and I thrive from the stimulation of the artists in the room. I give them a slight direction so they aren't so intimidated by the blank canvas because I know exactly how that feels. Many amazing pieces of art have emerged from these painting nights. I will always smile when I think of my lovely Cortney and her first two canvases. She was unsure as to what she wanted to do with her "abstract canvas" so she drew stars...and hated it. Then she went back at painting a second time with no object in mind but solely her emotions aaaaand voila! A masterpiece was created and an artist was born. She has blossomed and within the year she posted a website and has had multiple paintings sold. You can see some of her breath taking work at Abstract by Cortney. Initially I inspired her and now she continues to inspire and motivate me to no end.

I am an abstract artist of four years and I keep asking myself...do I take the leap and try to share my passion and knowledge through instructing basic art classes? Feel free to send me feedback at myveryabstractart@gmail.com if this is something YOU would be interested in. Be an element in my journey to live life to the fullest and spread the love.

(a completed masterpiece by my niece)

Look at those little hand prints on the canvas, they make me smile :)

xox

Day 219 - 2013 Year of the Snake

Day 219 - "Serpents" by Sharon Van Etten

The twelve Chinese zodiac signs put an interesting twist on each year because every twelve years it is YOUR year. This year of course being the Year of the Snake. I was doing some light reading about general predictions for this year and it outlines that focus and discipline will be necessary for you to achieve what you set out to create. Admittedly I have not been focusing hard enough on a few items from The List of Justice that require discipline, this is a good reminder to concentrate on my goals.

My birth year is the Year of the Ox and I was happy to read a few positive characteristics about people born in my year. It says that individuals born in the Year of the Ox are patient, they can stick at an activity longer and go at it tougher than anybody (this should help me with my goals for this year!). They speak small and inspire self-confidence in other individuals. They may be bright, patient and inspiring to others and may be satisfied by themselves.

These few sentences are great reminders that I truly enjoy inspiring others and pushing others towards their goals or trying something new in their lives. It can be difficult at times to branch out of your personal comfort zone and see what wonders and adventures the world holds.

Focus.

xox

Day 220 - Imprints and Inspirations

Day 220 - "Lisztomania" by Phoenix (Classixx Version)

I woke up Sunday morning to a beautiful day with the sun shining incredibly bright. A perfect day to snap more photos at high heights! I raced over to my friend's house where we enjoyed a cup of coffee prior to me hanging off the railings of her balcony (I forgot to sign the agreed waiver prior to taking the photos but I survived!).  I am overly content with the way my second shoot turned out. Another friend commented on this photo saying I look like a Japanese ninja ready to fly off the balcony. This comment has inspired future ideas for my self portraits...

My day ended with attending the Fundraiser for the Foxcrofts at Anejo restaurant in Calgary. It was a heart warming event with so many of Jon's friends also in attendance and so many donations for the silent auction. I was more than happy to donate one of my paintings for the auction. It was a secret thrill for me to be continuously walking past my painting and seeing the bids on my donated work. This painting was 36" by 48" and was titled "Imprinting", it is my largest completed painting. Each of my paintings have a secret story behind them...I will always remember every brush stroke and still feel the emotions that were running through me while each painting swallowed me whole. I will miss this painting, I certainly have an attachment to this story. Alas! I mustn't hoard such beauty...I must share.

Today was filled with many ups. Between hanging out with two of my favourite people in Calgary, a beautiful day, incredible photos, a yummy brunch, a sentimental fundraiser and topping it all off with watching the 2013 premiere of "The Walking Dead" while eating chocolate chip cookies...it's a wonderful life. 

xox

Day 221 - Fighting Fears

Day 221 - "Rise and Fall" by Adventure Club feat. Krewella

Saturday was filled with ups and downs both emotionally and physically. I successfully began my self portrait series and I found myself on the 26th floor of a condominium at the perfect time in the day. 30 minutes before this photo it was blizzarding and 30 minutes after this photo it was overcast. Truthfully I have a profound fear of heights but I thrive off that fear and turn it into excitement because of the adrenaline that is pumping through my body while I'm standing so high!

In the course of these photos I was hoping to sit on the edge of the balcony and take a photo with my legs dangling over...but with the wind blowing strongly and when I took this photo looking down...I decided to keep it on the "safer side" and keep the majority of my body on the building instead of hanging/falling off. I'm looking forward to the next high rise and seeing how I can get creative with the same concept but different poses. I would love to be standing safely on the edge of a building and capture an image staring down (don't mean to be scaring you mom, I promise to be safe!!).

Many thanks to Farrah's friend Ryan who was thrilled to see that so many people are keeping Farrah's spirit alive and that Farrah continues to inspire so many souls.

Now to begin my Sunday and see where my mind and body will be wandering...

xox