Words Of Wisdom

I was searching the Internet at famous quotes and stumbled upon this one from Marilyn Monroe. It really spoke to me and could not be further from the truth. Marilyn was such an inspiration to the fashion industry, Hollywood, celebrities, and fans everywhere. We could all learn something from her words of wisdom.

“This life is what you make it. Not matter what, you're going to mess up sometimes, it's a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you're going to mess it up. Girls will be your friends - they'll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come, some go. The ones that stay with you through everything - they're your true best friends. Don't let go of them. Also remember, sisters make the best friends in the world. As for lovers, well, they'll come and go too. And babe, I hate to say it, most of them - actually pretty much all of them are going to break your heart, but you can't give up because if you give up, you'll never find your soul mate. You'll never find that half who makes you whole and that goes for everything. Just because you fail once, doesn't mean you're gonna fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself, because if you don't, then who will, sweetie? So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life's a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about.”

link to quote: http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/82952.Marilyn_Monroe

link to picture: http://www.squidoo.com/marilyn-monroe-posters

Model Behavior

I started modeling for fun a few years go. I got the idea from my friend, Jayme Bevill-Foxx. She provided me names and contact information for a couple of her photographer friends and basically, the rest is history. I am currently in the process of compiling a portfolio for submission to agencies, but it is a slow process.

I have been told to pursue modeling as a full-time career, but the problem is money. For one, I do not have a portfolio ready (it's an unorganized messed consisting of pictures on CDs and a couple of prints), and two, I have not been hired by an agency.

This brings me to my next point, Model Mayhem. modelmayhem.com is a website where aspiring models, photographers, and stylists come together and network. If you are photographer seeking subjects, a model seeking photographers, or a model seeking hair and makeup stylists, this is one of the most popular sites to visit. I like to get photography leads through Jayme or through other friends, not this website. It is a great site, you just are not quite sure what is on the other end. It is a risk you take to get your start.

Melanie Fairlight Nelson and her husband, Dave, are photographers. Dave does photography, as does Melanie, but Melanie works with wardrobe, shoot setup and model coaching. She told me about this photo shoot on Saturday that Model Mayhem hosted. We attended, but it was not quite what we expected. I have only modeled in solo shoots, so this shoot Saturday had me frazzled, because there were several aspiring models. It was extremely fun, but extremely disorganized. It was a great way to meet new stylists and new photographers, but would have been much better more organized. Photographers did not have models to shoot the whole time due to lack of stylists and designers were working with several models at a time. It is a little difficult and can get weeded when you throw a bunch of new people together with little preparation time. You could definitely tell everyone was an amateur, but you have to get a start somewhere. Overall, the photographers did a great job and we met some fun, talented people.

During the photo shoot, women were asking me for modeling tips and wardrobe choices. It felt really great to have an opportunity to help and kept me humble about what I do. I remember what it is like getting a start and it is not easy. Without friends such as Jayme and Melanie, I would not be where I am today. I love what I do and aspire to become the best I can be, no matter what!

photo credit: me, pinup session. Jill Rasco photography

Caffeind

I love coffee. In fact, I love it a little too much. Many studies have shown that coffee has health benefits, including reducing your risk of Alzheimer's Disease. (If that's really the case, I should be free and clear of it in the first place because I consume so much.)

I read an article today on Yahoo! entitled "5 Signs You've Had Too Much Caffeine." The saying is true that too much of a good thing is bad for you and the article is further proof of this theory. “If you stop drinking coffee abruptly, you may experience irritability, fatigue, headaches, and even depression.” I know some people who are irritable even without overdoing it on the caffeine, so perhaps more coffee, or caffeine in general, is best for them. If that does not cure their problem, perhaps a sedative would.

The occasional 8 oz. cup of coffee is fine and the occassional soda or tea, as well. If you're drinking trentas from Starbucks several times a week, however, then that really is not healthy at all. This is a very interesting article, and may you enjoy it while responsibly enjoying your caffeine beverage of choice.

link to story: http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/5-signs-youve-had-too-much-caffeine-2606667/

picture source: http://askinyourface.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/186-019coffee-posters-235x300.jpg

Dysfuntion Junction

Back in September, I wrote a blog entitled, "Misery Loves Its Company." At that particular point in time, I knew a lot of people fighting tough battles. Between then and now, not much has changed.

Friends are still dealing with ill family members, break-ups, employment (or lack there of), and are having trouble grappling with the terrible hand they're dealt in life. I am reminded of the movie "The Royal Tenenbaums." If you are unfamiliar with this movie, (which is unfortunate, because it's AMAZING) Royal, played by Gene Hackman, leaves his wife and children during the children's adolescent years, a very poignant time in their life. All three children, Margot, Chas, and Richie end up succeeding in life, regardless of their dysfunctional upbringing. The reason I correlate these together is this: Your father may shoot you with a BB gun, your parents may be having affairs, you may be in love with your brother, or your brother may be a cutter. Those events happened in the kid's lives, but Margot still went on to write a play at age nine, winning an award. Richie became a success in tennis, cleaned up his act, and quit self-mutilation. Chas ends up not only finding his true self, but saving himself and his sons.

People experience dysfunctional moments in life. When this arises, they want advice, a shoulder to cry on, or simply a willing ear to listen. It is tough providing advice if you yourself are trying to beat the house with your crummy deck of cards. The message to take away from the film, this blog, and life in general, is simply to strive to achieve greatness, regardless of what hand you're dealt or how much dysfunction consumes you. Place your needs aside for a moment and focus on helping others. Their hand trumps yours. When you help others while they're being dealt nil, they in turn reciprocate to help you. Good luck out there and shoot for the jackpot!