Feeding the Imagination...

Although we don't normally like to write about Echo Park because it is not part of what we consider the eastside, we still love it and love what they are doing there! We have encountered a super positive spot that encourages kids to write in an after school program housed behind the Time Travel Mart on Sunset. This is one of many spots all over the United States that foster imagination and creativity in their neighborhood kids. It was spawned first in San Francisco by writer Dave Eggers and now has popped up in Los Angeles, New York and other cities. Although the store fronts are really just "fronts" for the real work going on in the back, the stores are fun for browsing. At the Time Travel Mart, you can purchase not only quirky items such as mustaches through the ages, but also the writings of the students that attend the program! For a more in depth explanation of the project check out Dave Eggers on TED.com. Thanks for the pic Gabe!

Secret Dream

My Secret Dream.........

Is to be an .........

Artistic Director on a Ellen Von Unwerth Shoot

Icon

Nostalgia ....

My first album was "Madonna" I can remember asking my mom over and over again to play the record again. I lived Madonna after that! I had every color lace glove imaginable, rubber bracelets, and leggings. I was Madonna every chance I could get. I accessorized to the best of my abilities but school's with dress codes don't appreciate any sort of personal fashion expression. I follow Madonna's fashion trends and music till this day. I'm amazed how she is able to start such amazing trends that reference back to the day she started. My favorite Madonna era will always be the start of Madonna!

Zara Summer 2010, The Young Catalogue

I love fashion, the 80's, and a beautiful man ........ I think Zara did a fabulous job on all three!

NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD FOR RODARTE FALL/WINTER 2010/11//

These shoes are amazing and so is RODARTE !!!!!!

Getting Versed on the Eastside DJ scene

The randomest encounters are the best! At the closing of the Giant Robot show at the Japanese museum I met Juan Devis, who introduced me to the great Web Stories series on KCET.org. Back in 2008 (yes, I know I am late to this), he and his crew produced some great short videos on backyard parties and the dj culture that happened in the Eastside. They have people talk about what it was like being part of that scene, from the 70s to now. Check out the 80s one especially, you will hear the beginnings of the Power 106 dj's in the Origins segment, and you can see El Sereno in the background in Flat Tops & the Promoters. They also have mixtapes for each year! I couldn't stop smiling, it can really take you back, and it provides you with some essential history on the Southern California music scene.
http://kcet.org/explore-ca/web-stories/backyardparties/

Impressed by the Homegirls

I was aware of the Homeboy Industries, but never fully appreciated the organization until I went to Homegirl Cafe on Alameda with my friend Sandra. Father Greg and his Homeboy Industries have created alternatives for gangsters that have served time and want to leave the lifestyle. Father Greg has offered them a choice. And between jobs or jail, many ex-gangsters have chosen jobs. Embracing even the newest opportunities, Homeboy industries now offers training in installing solar panels! With the Homeboy Silkscreen, Homegirl cafe, Homeboy Bakery, Homeboy Maintenance, it's no doubt inspiring not only in a social level, but also on an entrepreneurial level. Check out their history and their future plans for this continual project on Homeboy-Industries.org.
Did I forget to mention that the food was amazing? Thanks for the pic Sandra!

Hopeful and Inspired in 2010

I have to agree with Melissa, there are many opportunities out there and it's about not giving up the fight! Unfortunately, I also have felt the weight of the economic situation, and have had to get re-invigorated into living in the moment. One of the local stories that inspired me at the end of 2009 was the El Sereno struggle to save Elephant Hill. My family's home neighbors this landscape, and I was seeing the real threat of development looming. This time, after a 25 year old struggle, the city came through! In November, the Los Angeles city council voted to buy this land that will be transformed into a nature preserve. What was going to be a 56 lot development is now going to be a park! After seeing the struggle of the South Central Farmers, it was exciting to see something unravel positively for the community. The locals also know this place as the Heavens, so perhaps we had a little more than the usual help...

The Fanny Pack I would wear!

One of my favorite designers, Marc Jacobs, has a Fanny Pack in his Marc Jacobs bag collection. I am always on the fence about fanny packs. I love the concept a purse worn on the waist, a much easier task to carry than on the shoulder. When I think of fanny pack, I think of Venice beach, tan blond hair, white bikini women on roller skates wearing a neon fanny pack while listening to there walk mans. Not the most flattering association to a bag the can be really awesome. I trust fully in Marc Jacobs and his obvious divine taste, so when word spread about his 3 fanny packs in this collection I was intrigued to see how he designed the info mas waist purse. I was pleasantly but not surprised when I viewed them. So simple and quaint as well as true to the original design. I couldn't expect less from such a divine artist.

2010 Trend will social media take a backstep???

Today, I have picked up my Image section of The Los Angeles Times and read the trend forecasts for the next decade. One of the trends predicted is networking on line via facebook, myspace, twitter will all come "tumbling down" according to Richard Laemer a trend forecaster. Richard predicts that we will all come to a realization that all this tweeting and facebooking did not profit us one bit. He say's we are going to get back to talking on the phone and meeting for coffee. Making connections in "real life" not virtual world.

Well, I personally love the best of both worlds. I don't see why we have to give up one for another. I have connected with junior high friends to relatives that live outside of the country via facebook. It may have not landed a job for me but as a connection resource I feel it has been highly effective. Talking on the phone is not my favorite I personally like texting. On the other hand I do like getting together with friends and meeting in person. Making connections without social networking seems to be harder these days. Whenever I'm trying to find someone I look on facebook first.

Thoughts?????