Another blog. I'm checking this one out. Penelope Trunk - looks interesting.

Camera Question

I'm debating whether or not to get my Pentax Super Program film camera from the 80's fixed or purchase another used camera. The camera repair guy quoted about $150. I checked B&H to see if they had the same camera and they were selling it for $240 so at least I know that purchasing another camera isn't the same price as fixing this one. Despite being heavy and VERY manual, it does have sentimental value. Mischief the cat clearly doesn't like this camera though and it's taken a lot of abuse when it was in the hands of my sister. Mischief knocked the flash and broke it so I'll have to skip using a flash. And apparently a friend of my sister's may have knocked one of the lenses so I no longer have use of my 50mm. Boo. And then there's the cost of getting the film developed/ scanned but who can deny the beauty of the rich blacks in film. Any thoughts.

Found this link - here's the camera.

Workin It

I had my first half hour training session at Crunch today. I highly suggest working out in the a.m. if you never have. It's a great feeling of accomplishment getting your butt kicked before 9am. Not to mention you get it over with and don't have to worry about fitting it into your schedule. Only downside of choosing a female trainer is that she has seen some of my lady parts in the locker room after our session. Yeah, that can get awkward. Her name is Mollie and she's from NJ. Weird. Other benefit of working out before work- apparently sweat makes my hair look pretty. Gross, and I probably should have kept that to myself. But yeah, sweat in hair = good hair day.

And finally, I learned today that apparently starting sentences with "and" is sort of ad speak. Who would have thought. Perhaps growing up with a father in advertising had some impact on me. AND did I mention, the funniest line from my father while I was visiting them in NJ...

ME: I'm thinking of going to the mall on Saturday.
DAD: Well Molly, they would love to have you.

Happy trails!

Pictures from this weekend

This is how Lola has been chilling lately. She drapes her paws over the bed post and watches TV in my parent's room. Seriously. I can't make this shit up.


I was taking some lazy pictures around my childhood room and only afterward, realized how telling they were. All the objects on my radiator tell a story about where I came from. The photo on the right is me and my late grandfather in Mexico. My grandparents retired there and we'd visit once a year. Not to mention I'm wearing purple! Behind that is a painting done by my great uncle on my father's side. The two photos next to that were taken by my mother while she was visiting her parents in Mexico. Then there's the Saratoga water glass bottle from Saratoga Springs, where I went to college. And a candle dish holding a crystal- sort of new agey, from my dad. Finally, there's the painting my parents bought me that depicts a girl sleeping and is revolved around the dream world- a subject I find fascinating. Anyway, I thought it was an interesting coincidence that all those objects told such a complete story about me despite not having purposely arranged them on my heater.

And We're Back

In an ironical twist, the weather is crappy out. Would have been a perfect morning to stay in and get some lovin. But no regrets. I'm going to enjoy my Sunday IN!

Good Morning!

I'm in that annoying state between awake and slightly hung over and too tired/ lazy to actually get up. AND I walked about a mile in my highest pair of heels so the prospect of walking, even in my new Chucks, is rather intimidating. Is it wrong that I let my responsibilities get in the way of my sex life? Am I the only girl that would prefer NOT to go home with someone at 4 am mainly because I have so much shit to do the next day. Hooking up is fun, but then the next day there's way too much wasted time. Usually guys want to sleep in later. So you're looking at noon. Then they want to inevitably go for round two the next morning. So maybe now you're talking about leaving their apartment/ kicking them out around 1ish. Then on top of that, you most likely didn't get any sleep or at least quality, so you need another hour. Now all of a sudden, you're not seeing the light of day and leaving your apartment until 3pm. And let's not even talk about the walk of shame. Having to put those painful heels back on, take a cab ride, etc.

That being said, it's nearly noon. I'm going to get off my lazy ass and go wander. And perhaps ponder about my fun night last night.

Support the Art World

and pretty pictures!

Cookie Monster

I currently have a love/hate relationship with my coworkers. Mostly love..

Funny Cat Video

There's something about funny cat videos that have me laughing uncontrollably and in tears like within 5 seconds of viewing it. Does anyone else have the same affliction?

Unspeakable Joy

Happy Friday! I actually voluntarily went to the gym this morning before work. My coworker has been trying to convince me for weeks to try it and I insisted I wasn't a morning person. Then I purchased a few training sessions at Crunch since they had a good deal. My trainer had good advice - set your alarm to waking up for a work out every morning, and if you actually wake up 2 out of the 5 days, that's an accomplishment. We both agreed that there's something about Friday's that make it easier to wake up. I think it's the excitement of the weekend and the knowledge that you no longer have to reserve your energy for the rest of the week. In any case, here's a song by Kim English that they play at my spinning classes fairly often and I find there is some real truth to the lyrics. Seriously. Remember that the joy is within you and no one can take it away.

When I wake up in the morning gets me outta bed
Keeps me runnin' skippin' jumpin' like a little kid
You know sometimes I can hardly keep it inside
It overtakes me, overwhelms me, and I'm mortified
Did not get it from any woman or man
And it's okay if they don't always understand
It's very easy to get caught in circles dance
It's even easier to break out in a dance

Chorus:
JOY!
Unspeakable Joy!
'Cause they did not hear, and they can not take it away!
JOY!
Unspeakable Joy!
In my heart and I can't let them steer my
JOY!
Unspeakable Joy!
'Cause they did not hear, and they can not take it away!
JOY!
Unspeakable Joy!
'Cause they did not hear, and they can not take it away!

People ask my why this supernatural high
Seeing only sun when there's a cloudy sky
I know the trouble tries to surround me
But I've been given something greater deep inside of me
I did not get it from any woman or man
And it's okay if they don't always understand
It's very easy to get caught in circles dance
It's even easier to break out in a dance

(Chorus)

JOY!(x3)

(Chorus)

JOY!
Unspeakable Joy!
'Cause they did not hear, and they can not take it away!
JOY!
Unspeakable Joy!
In my heart and I can't let them steer my
JOY! (x11)

(Chorus)

When I'm facing opposition of that attitudes
We come see notions, dispositions are completely rude
When darkness thinks that it's outdone me,
I must remember the greater love's

inside me
I did not get it from any woman or man
And it's okay if they don't always understand...

Seth Godin

I need to remind myself to read Seth Godin's blog. There! I reminded myself. It's a must read if you're in the blog/ marketing world.

Morning Happenings

Was at the Mud truck and there was a group of Brits with a dog. Blah blah blah, they want a cup of tea at the Mud Coffee truck. Then the guy comes back after getting his coffee or tea and says the crazy dog knocked over his coffee. I said "did he eat your homework too?" I guess he didn't get the reference or was slow cause he hadn't had his coffee. Anyway, no, he did not get the reference.

In other news..... Was looking at my email- get emails from Club Monaco. And saw the dress below. My first reaction (inside my head) was "oooh lala, I like." Then I scanned to the bottom of the email and saw it is called "Molly Dress" so then my reaction was audible. "Oh! Why?! Now I really want it." It's like someone from Club Monaco is spying on me. If I really and truly wanted to brand myself, I could just wear only clothing labeled "Molly."

More Shots From Yesterday

My lunch break- and he's not messing around. Eesh.


The model life. Multi-tasking! And so am I! This was taken after work and before my photography class.

Clickety clack! Is that blue nail polish I see?

My Obsession with Red Lipstick Continues

Singer Diane Birch

Another Fashion Blog

The talented Hanneli Mustaparta

Hints

Did you actually think I was going to tell you how to get in a party thrown by Justin Timberlake? Seriously. Just kidding. I can't really tell you that. All I can say is that you should be ready for anything, friendly at all times and enjoy the ride.

Some more hints. A blog I probably should have known about a while ago.

JT

Only I would somehow find myself at a Justin Timberlake party wearing an over-sized H&M turtleneck, flat boots, my purple pants (of course), and a black, Gap tank top. More details tomorrow when I'm not so completely exhausted. Also managed to lose one of my favorite earrings in an effort to sex myself up by removing my turtle neck. But oh yeah, it was so worth it. Tear. Big Tear. I guess style trumps function when you're photographing these events, cause hey, you never know.

Other Favorite Shots

Just in case you're too lazy to go to my flickr page.


Even the babies are stylin. According to mom, it's from the Gap!

I love her colorful sleeve peeking out from her coat- Giovanna Battaglia a stylist.
And I'm in love with the deep black as they emerge from the show.

Check out her eyes. And for more pictures from that day - from a pro Garance Dore

Celebrities/ Former Models

Molly Sims - One of my favorite shots.

Milla Jovavich and her amazing eyes
The whole experience was very exciting. I got to see Scott Schuman from The Sartorialist in action as well as Garance Dore. It was tough trying to "make friends" with the models turned photographers but one was very nice. I guess the trick is trying to play it cool. Tonight I'm skipping my spinning class (gasp!) and the gym, to play paparazzo again at the Marc Jacobs show. Location secret. And then perhaps chilling outside a Cynthia Rowley party. Hopefully my hands will stay warm in the cold. yeah, so if you like my celebrity stalking approach, pass my link along and click on the ads. Baby needs a new camera. Like the 5D! I know. Craziness. I already want a new camera.

Fashion Week- DKNY - The Editors and Buyers

Joanna Cole, Editor of Marie Claire and Nina Garcia, former fashion editor of Elle

Fashion Week - DKNY- The Models

Self Portrait = Torture

Ordinary People

Wow, I cried about 5 times during that movie. And seriously miss my sister right now :( It makes me sadder to think I won't see her until May. Eesh. What a powerful and beautiful movie. I wanted to give Timothy Hutton a big bear hug. Along with Donald Sutherland who I'm not used to seeing as a lovable, sweet, emotional guy. Mary Tyler Moore did an amazing job although I can't say I wanted to give her a big bear hug.

In other news, I went to a "Dance-a-thon" for the prevention of human sex trafficking. Need to learn more on that subject later. It's not something you hear about every day although I'm sure it's prevalent. Met some very cool, passionate people. I debated whether or not to go since I'd only have about 45 minutes to shower and get ready post gym and usually like to chillax before going out. But I'm glad that I seriously rallied and somehow managed to get ready in lighting speed.

And in other news.. not so happy, got a bill from a doctor's appointment that I went to in April 2008 for nearly $400! I went to an allergist thinking food allergies were causing my stomach to hurt. I was told very clearly that it was completely covered by my insurance. Dude, what the hell! It's annoying enough when this stuff comes to bite you in the ass a few months after a procedure, but nearly a year!!? Jesus freaking Christ! There's always something. Is there anything else in life besides doctors' visits where you ask someone how much something is going to cost, you accept that service at that price and then 10 months later you find out you're responsible for oh.. I don't know.. 300% more than the original price!!?? That's messed up. Some thing's got to change.

A few months ago, I was sitting at an old high school friend's house having a somewhat awkward but nice big reunion. Someone repeatedly complained about how they weren't looking forward to moving costs (moving to their dream job a few states away). I wanted to scream at him and punch him in the face. I quietly brought up something about having to pay out of pocket insurance, etc. and everyone looked dumbfounded - like okay, she's had problems and wasn't jerk enough to bring it up and complain. Okay, yes, a lot of my credit card debt is based on covering expenses while being unemployed or half employed - but freakin aye. I'm guessing about 60% of that is based on random health issues. Everything from getting my gall bladder removed for no good reason (genetic anomaly), paying 18 months COBRA ($440 a month!!), to getting a crown and a few fillings after not having had ex-rays since I didn't have health insurance! Okay, I think I've vented enough. I'm thankful for what I have and am over all generally happy- but jeeze, I'm just sayin- don't assume some one's life is peachy. Everyone has their own issues. Eeesh. Going to bed. And will try and put my pending bill out of my mind. Every thing's negotiable right?

Many Faces Day 1- Part Two

They get their picture taken

They have piercing blue eyes and stunning red lipstick

They are happy

They play delightfully original and hysterically funny characters on TV. Thank you Mark Indelicato from Ugly Betty!

The Many Faces of NYC Fashion Week - Day 1

They wear plaid


They carry pink swag bags


They go about their daily business


They humor the old men going about their daily business


They wear beautiful blues

On a Brighter Note..

Lola the Cat enjoyed the Westminster dog show. I'm so glad my parents were able to capture this.

Cheesy

Lips made out of the wax cheese wrapper.

V-Day

Am I the only one who gets really annoyed when people ask what I'm doing for Valentine's Day? Especially when they know I'm single? What the hell do you think I'm doing? I don't freakin care about the holiday. I only sort of care about it because I'm the only one who likes the lovely chemical flavor of Conversation Hearts- although I'm staying away from them this year. My goals for the weekend are to work out at least twice, complete my self portrait photography assignment, and get some nature- even if it means just walking around Central Park. I sort of want to get out of the city but going home to NJ usually doesn't involve much nature. It really involves sitting on my couch and watching movies. I also want to see "He's Just Not that Into You" or whatever the movie is called.

TED Talk - Elizabeth Gilbert on Genius

I know it's long, but here's a great way to start your day. Her talk is about the nature of creative genius. Does it come from within us, or as ancient societies thought- is it a divine being that guides us to our creations? She discusses how the notion of creative genius has historically stifled artists and causes them unhealthy pressure- especially if they've already created a master piece. I for one, have to get in a zone when I'm creating whether it's photography, drawing, beading, etc. Am I tapping into my own creativity or tapping into a higher power?

Sunday Walk

Sisters in front of Liquiteria


Perhaps one of my favorite "street portraits." What do you think?

Saturday Brunch

Healthy food


Broken healthy omelet and french cinnamon buns! My mouth is salivating just looking at the picture.


L's favorite plant.


Some of the photogenic and pretty objects in L's beautiful apartment.

Weekend Update

Sorry kids, I've been slacking.

I had a fantastic weekend. It all started with dinner at a old school Italian restaurant on St. Mark's with a good friend. Said dinner included live singing by the owner?, Sinatra, etc. Classic. Despite consuming mass quantities of carbs - fried calamari, pasta a half bottle of red, I managed to wake up the next day sans carb or wine hangover.

Saturday consisted of an entire day of eating. My delightfully sweet and uber cool coworker cooked me and a few coworkers brunch in her fantastic apartment. Her husband is a furniture designer She is an art director- and together they have transformed their Bushwick abode to a pad worthy of Dominos photoshoot. She took the same care in creating us a delicious and healthy meal. I'm tempted once again to give up my central location for more space and light.

As if my weekend wasn't good enough, it got better. Saturday night I managed to score tickets to a sold out concert at the Mercury Lounge. Some guy was standing near the door looking to sell it. The concert featured a guy I went to high school and college with and I've been meaning to see him perform ever since he started playing. So I was surrounded by nice, cool people from both high school and college. Some people I haven't even seen for close to ten years. Good times.

Of course my weekend is never complete until I have visited my spot. No, that's not a euphemism for sex. I walked back up to my hood and convinced a friend to come join me. Upon arriving, I saw another kid from my college standing outside. Mr. Skidmore himself. Or at least that's how I view him. And inside, I ran into someone else I haven't seen for 2 years. More good times. Fast forward an hour later and my friend invited someone I've grown up with but haven't really been speaking to. He brought another friend that I haven't seen in 2 years. Reunion # 5? of the night!! And the topper of the night was when I got into a conversation in French (long story) with one of the friend's friends. We discovered that we both studied in Paris. And went to the same undergrad! She's a year older and I didn't recognize her. Ridiculousness.

Sunday- my good weekend streak continued. I hit up my absolute favorite coffee/ sandwich place Abraco. Had the sandwich I was craving for the whole week. Got some great photos - perfect lighting. And had a very late brunch with a very good and old friend. Croque Madame at Jacques on Price. Delicious. I highly recommend it.

So yeah, what more could I ask for. Great food, great friends - new and old, reunions with people I like, great food, wine, photography, did I mention great food. okay, no boys or sex. But sometimes food and friends trump that.

Day One

This is day one of me drastically limiting my carbs as I should have, starting last August. I mean business.

May You Be Inspired

My new favorite photography duo. Obsessed. With them.
See Flickr site and blog.

More Advice

A coworker just gave me some very good advice. That no one is "evil" or inherently bad. You just have to understand where they're coming from. Wow. Duh. Profound. If we could only apply that to foreign policy.

Happy Friday!

So glad it's Friday. I can't wait to sleep in tomorrow. Oh wait, I'm not sleeping in too late. Have lots to do. But am looking forward to my weekend plans. I feel like I accomplished a lot this week. Figured out hot to modify my blog and am sure I can modify it further. Upgraded my computer and stayed calm even though it had to be OPENED. I learned simple lighting techniques and concepts that help me see photos in a whole different way. And I can figure out how to properly light subjects.

Hmmm. Some advice to ponder. Be a player in the game of life, not a spectator. Life is too short to put off what you really want to do. Baby steps. Live every day to the fullest. Here's a picture that I took while I was living my life to the fullest in Florence. I then turned it into a silk screen, and scanned it.

"Why Molly, what did you spend the last 3 hours doing?"

"I just took apart my laptop, installed a new hard drive, and then put it back together again. Phew. Don't want to do THAT again any time soon."

Where There's Triumph, There is Also Failure

Remind me never to try and upgrade my Mac Book hard drive myself.

And while we're on the subject, I need to master the "starving" part of the starving artist. If I did that, I'd have a chance of balancing my photography related expenses with my income.

i.e. just bought a $200 light meter.
$200 new hard drive that's hopefully still working.

and countless other future expenses like having to print my photos for class. Donations accepted.

Triumph!!

After many hours and some help from my coworker, I finally figured out how to slightly modify my blog so the pictures are bigger. So I sort of know HTML now. I'd have to replace all the previous pictures in order to make the others bigger.. but yeah. Next step is trying to figure out how to add a left side bar. One would think it would be easy to find a HTML line.. or I think it's called a CSS - style sheet that would increase the main posts and decrease the side bar. No, not so. Now you know why you always hear about these computer people that are up all night. Cause it takes THAT long! And then you get determined, because if you don't know what you're doing, like me- you're afraid you'll forget everything you achieved.

Happy Tuesday

IMG_3283
Originally uploaded by MissMoll

Attraction = Chemistry

Check out this article. Apparently attraction is all based on pheromones and chemistry. That would explain why I dated someone on and off for years despite our lack of shared values and interests. And annoyingly had no chemistry with guys who were otherwise "perfect" for me. Proof that God (or mother nature) has a sense of humor.

Huntington Learning Center

This is by far the most annoying commercial on TV. And they've had the same commercial, I'm guessing since the early 90's. Can we start a petition to the company to change the commercial?! The worst is that it's on in the morning. Nothing like walking to work with it in my head. "Face it, I'm never getting into college. I said I'd do better. Saying it and doing it are two different things."

wow, a part of me just died. Happy Monday!

Stepping it Up

I'm going to step it up this week. Give up pastries.. don't think there are any birthdays or baby showers. And give up pasta. Just for a week.. like not messing around. The kids I babysat for on Saturday got excited about having dried raspberries for dessert. I wish I had that kind of discipline.

Saturday Night in Park Slope