Sunday, December 26, 2010

blizzards and wonderland

The first blizzard of the winter and its brutal...
Still it didnt stop me from running into the powder with my fur jacket on and spinning around so many times that i fell over and landed in a big mushroom cloud puff of snow. It sure did make my hangover feel better :)

Xmas was totally mental. Yet another xmas spent alone on the other side of the world away from my family...not much else to do then spend it with other "orphans". Needless to say the mission to get totally crazy and disappear into wonderland totally worked out. 
Once in wonderland, its hard not to reflect about the year past and its ups and many downs. Hope for a better 2011 where life works out the way my karma deserves. 

New Years resolutions which I never make but this year, I have made them and sworn to keep them. 

Then the snow started to fall...

walking home in the blizzard definitely hurt my cheeks with the cold. By the time I got back to my cosy warm apartment my legs were red with cold and it was not nice.

Here is what the snow looks like outside my bedroom window now 


Two common things said to me more and more as of late are: "your nuts" and "don't go too far into wonderland". 
I love my nuttiness and I love being a part of wonderland. So to all of you who are too scared to be that way, its your loss. 

And I will stay here and spin around as fast as I can until I can't see anymore

annie xx

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

paris

so yes...im in paris. And I haven't posted in a very long time.

But you know how it is wrapping up loose ends before you travel. With 11 hour work days, extra curricular activities, teamed with the intensity of being fabulous 24/7. 
It's tough.

I needed this vacation very badly. Mostly because I thought that it would let me check off all the things that needed to happen for me. 
Drink lots. Sleep lots. Eat lots of cured meat. See lots of churches and beautiful architecture. Buy some crazy clothes. Spend time with boo. See the snow. See Jim Morrison's grave. Dress up every day. And figure out my next step in New York. 
Well, I have pretty much done all of that except for the whole "next step" thing. I know its kind of a big one, pretty important...
I guess, with all the uncertainty with my visas, jobs etc it will do that to you. And by that, I mean swim around and around in your head to the point where you just think F$$$ it. Either have a beer and forget it, or do something about it tomorrow...And let time run it's course. Which I suppose is what I have to let happen, although patience is not my strong suite..

So I guess, watch this space right?

In other news, my long time baby cakes Vernon came out from London to Paris to visit for a few days. His arrival, and mine was what started a 2 day drinkathon where we all ended up feeling pretty vulnerable and worse for wear. 
Had loads of fun and loads of laughs. It was amazing to see one of my best friends after so long. As well as seeing Marc too. All too much. 

What's a girl to do other than drink 3 bottles of wine before midday on day 1 in Paris?

Evidence from Verny's iphone.............










I have more on my camera, but all that "organizing" business will happen when reality sets in. POOP

Last day in Paris today. To the Basquait exhibition, Notre Dame, and espresso martini 
LIKE BUTTON

annie xx

Thursday, November 18, 2010

clarity

So, you know that feeling when all of a sudden something that has been frustrating you finally becomes clear???

You see things for how they really are and not the fantasy in your mind. And its kind of okay...
Its called life Feng Shui. Change..

Fall in new york, as you know. 
Paris next week. 
New apartment soon. 
New jobs coming up..

All of that good stuff. 

Which leads me to my next point. THIS website is so accurate for day to day shit, even though I dont really live my life by it. Star signs and the spiritual realm has definitely been something that I have grown up with. Thanks to my mama. Aka the big stevie nicks who passed the stevie batton onto me when she handed me down her black velvet jacket and thigh high boots. 
Ahhhhhmazing


You are in a testy, contentious frame of mind, so much so that it might seem as if every single thing others say and do is inherently irritating. When in this state, it is important to try to hold yourself back from rash accusations and other behavior that you are likely later to regret, but that, of course, is more easily said than done.

hahahah. As anyone who knows me well enough knows... I have a temper and am a very feisty wee girl. Today was no exception. 2 nights of no sleep, a huge day at work...too much to do, too much responsiblity...and the plague of a bit of a mistake that I made last night. 

However, I guess it is all a matter of perception. Mistakes are only bad if you dont learn from them, and this one has given me a total new perspective on my situation. 
Now I have moved my heart and mind away from the past and can see exactly where they are both heading.

When I was little, I used to imagine my life as a grown up. In a place where the leaves turned golden..This song has been stuck in my head all day, probably because I loved it during the time I used to hang out in my bedroom by myself with my super thick fringe and crazy long hair, playing with my barbie dolls...wow nothing has changed really!!!



Or maybe its just me being nostalgic, as you do around fall :(



So listen. Look and I will update before Paris and definitely after Paris!!! wooooo 4 days 

annie xx






























                                                                                   
           

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Runaway

When I see something that resonates, I become obsessed. And that means that I have to let the inspiration spill into my work. 
That current obsession is the new Kayne West film "Runaway".  Despite the controversy behind that dude and what he gets up to, I have to say...he is fricken talented. 

My boy Chris came over the other night with this film and we watched it over a tall boy of coors light. I was like, ummmmm dont talk to me cos this rules! 
I have another shoot coming up and I am gonna try and implement this inspiration into it. My clients appear to be into the whole idea so that's good......And if that doesnt work out, then its defo another personal work. 

Im so obsessed with the art direction of this movie. The compositions, the grade, angles...everything. oh love love love love love it 
Have a look at these screen grabs from the movie and you will see why I love it so :)









Oh and in other news, to commemorate my 5 month anniversary of new york and me I bought myself a little gift 



Yes that's right, its an american flag fanny pack! You would think that I would be ashamed of being so unbelievably tacky, but im not. I live for sequins and crazy clothes!.
One day I will be one of those old fabulous ladies who rolls around with bat wing glasses, a long coat and smoking out of a pipe.
I will have an iguana, and cats named after the 7 dwarves. In my house full of mahogany wood and a library full of art books and a room full of shoes. With a wardrobe that is so bad ass, you would think its a costume cave!

But today, let me tell you about my epic fail! I went to the gym to get my seratonin going and when I got there I realized that I forgot one of my shoes at home :( i was sooo sad! I felt like such a tool. So I had a steam and a really nice shower, but still was pissed that I didnt get to spin, because if i dont spin at least twice a week, I get all "iffy"
Not to mention being absolutely exhausted right now because of lack of gym love, and the fact I didn't sleep last night much at all....So Im kinda wired :(

I just wish I could get to sleep right now. But I know I would be up all night. Plus I have work to do, so I may just lay here and look at pretty pictures and do neither! wooorrrrd

annie xx

Sunday, November 7, 2010

annoyed

Okay, so as you know. My personality is pretty extreme. 

However, I like to think that with the onset of my grey hairs, I have become way more mellow in my old age. And it's totally true. 
I very rarely get annoyed. At most my tone of voice will be kinda bitchy, but it is part of my mystery and ability to be totally blunt in order to get things done. 

There is this situation that is annoying the hell out of me! 
One person in my life, who is so annoying...I swear I could slap him with a 2 month old frozen fish. I passionately dislike (because Kate told me that hate is too stronger word to use) his voice, his walk, his face...everything. And unfortuately I have to see him until I can erradicate him from my monkey sphere. 
Its annoying me to say the least. 

I get that I have a very strong personality so I'm a you love me or hate me kind of girl, but most people love me cos Im awesome. Sometimes people get pissy because if I don't like you, then you are the first person to know and then more often than not. People turn into hating me and human nature somehow means that they end up taking every frustration and personal issue that they have out on me. 

This is also annoying! 

So in a nutshell, I am annoyed right now. I just want to flail around and scream bleeeehhhhh until the frustration of stupidity and lame ass people is out of my system. 

Which is why life feng shui is imperative asapity. 

Oh and in other news, Winter has totally set in. Which would be exciting me except my winter wardrobe has not arrived after being shipped and it is now 2 months late. Im freezing my ass off. And I am annoyed about that too......:(((((



However, thanks to my lovely old work colleague the new issue of Le Black Book is out now with none other than a NYC street style feature from yours truly. yay


link for you to have a lookie cookie http://www.leblackbook.com.au/collections/le-magazine

Or a quick preview right here...





I have another shoot in ONE WEEK for Lime Crime Make up so you will see those results asap also. 

Other than that....focus on Paris in 15 days! Bam bam, how you like me now?....



annie xx


Sunday, October 31, 2010

dance like no ones watching


Okay so I had a crazy as week this week! Post work drama-OVER! glad its behind me. 
My beautiful girl star left my new york life this week which was sooo super sad, but she needs to go so im okay. And I am hoping on a trip to Tennessee to spend time with my angel at some point before the winter is over. 

Part 1:
Now for the best news....
I went to underworld with Michelle (her first electronic music gig-so cute) and we had the BEST time. A few bud lights, strobes, amazing sound quality, and the most eclectic mix of people I had ever seen. At one point I turned to my right there was this old as guy dancing sooo hard. He had white hair and ear plugs in-kinda defeats the purpose but whatever. Then to my left was this asian dude, then over again were a bunch of raver kids with glow sticks, then some goth looking people. It was awesome. Apart from the girl in front of me at one point who was getting pissed with people dancing so she kept elbowing everyone around her...it was pretty sweet. I did get down for it. Bangs went back, skirt folded up like 4 times and managed to have the best dance with my bestie that I had in a long time. We like to dance...
Danced like no one is watching, and sparing a few thoughts for those who I have shared underworld moments with. 

I like how pictures at gigs are always so...."move-ish"






my awesome american flag scarf. I rock it any chance

soooooo excited
Part 2:

HALLOWEEN: THE GREATEST DAY OF THE AMERICAN YEAR

I love Halloween, thats all I have to say. The one time of the year where I can dress however I want and no one even blinks. 
I went as tank girl, and as some of you may know I have always wanted to be her...or at least take her as a part of the whole of me. I dont like to be too predictable, its boring. 

So Michelle, Desiree, Erica and I pre gamed at Mich's house. The pre game is always so much more fun innit. Mich was the hamburglar, Erica was Superman getting changed (LOLOL) and Desiree was the blue fairy. 

hahahaa. that was a great picture idea mich

ooooh so cheeky

lolol, she cracks me up everytime I see her!

annie xx

Monday, October 25, 2010

music

One of the greatest things I love about music is its ability to hold onto a memory. When you listen to the musical catalyst for that memory its like your reliving it. 

Today, on the train I HAD to listen to leftfield....now this song reminds me of my crazy time in London when I lived there. 
I worked at this super fun store part time between Vogue and GQ shoots, with a super fun Polish dude-party promoter and music lover, a Punk Rock band singer, a school teacher, a single mother, and an older lady with tattoos all over her chest who specialized in eyelash extensions. 
Winter was slowly starting to set in. The sun was starting to set at around 4 in the afternoon, and I was wearing my fur coat on a daily basis. One night the Polish music lover and I were alone at work. He came upstairs to the stereo and played this......


God I love that album. Wicked album....awesome lyrics. These in particular resonate...

I've got to stand and fight
In this creation
Vanity I know
Can't guide I alone
I'm searching to find
A love that lasts all time
I've just got to find
Peace and unity
 
We both agreed that it was one of the best albums that we had heard, like ever. Then shared a bottle of vodka. Then went to a rave. It was awesome! 

Fun times I have had. Interesting people I have met. Lovely experiences. Hard times. Best of times. But damn, I have done a shit tonne of stuff! No wonder Im starting to go grey now :( 
But its all good, I have earned these grey hairs and Im kinda fond of them. I call them lois and phyllis and they are my pookie pooks. 

Are you one of those people who has soooo many memory songs that everytime one comes on your all "aww shit this is MY song, my jammy jam!" and apparently every second song is your jam. Then people are all like, shut up dude...every song is your song!
Ha well Im not like that. Id probably say that about a dozen songs do that for me. And when I hear them on my ipod, I like to close my eyes behind my KW eyewear, turn the volume way up on my Ricky Powell's and let the music tickle my ear lobes and once again live my memories, as I head onto my future. 

annie xx

Saturday, October 23, 2010

raining and pouring

SO you know the feeling when sometimes things compile all at once, and just seem to happen in clusters? Where everything bad happens one after another and it goes UP like a mushroom cloud? And what is left in the debris is change...at first its scary and then after the dust settles you kind of understand why it had to happen that way. 

Well, after my big move to the big apple, I guess I have become accustomed to change and how quickly it happens here. 
Everything can change in a minute and that minute feels like a second. 

Some things I suppose have done a huge and drastic shift once again with work, love and life in general. 
And I guess im in that uncertain stage where I feel the change happening around me..but am unsure of what the settled down dust will look like. 
A lot of negativity in addition to the wonder that is the shift that has happened. But I know that harnessing yourself and walking with love is all that can one can do. 

I was g chatting with my old roomate today and he was all "so what have you been up to?" Honestly, I feel as if all I have done is work and go to open bars and happy hours! he said this to me....

No time to smell the roses. There is a old Chinese saying that goes something like this "When all you are doing is running, take time to stop and look at the clouds".

Funnily enough, I said to him that as I was on my cell phone in Soho today; there was a white balloon flying higher and higher between the buildings. The way the light hit it was so beautiful, and that was a moment where I guess I took time to stop and look at the heavens/smell the roses/look at the clouds and all those cliche's which pretty much mean: slow the hell down!

So another day gone. 27 days until Paris. As I continue to walk through life taking each step with nothing but love

annie xx

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Ἔρως


So for those of you who dont know what that means. Its the Greek god of love. 

I remember reading Greek mythology in high school but most of the time, I was just so pissed off about being at school and wearing a uniform that I didn't really want to register information coming into my brain. I wanted to do everything in my own time, just because I'm a little shit that way. 

Anyway, back on topic. I was in my roommates room the other night looking for nail polish remover and found a copy of Plato's book, "Symposium" and it got me thinking about the concept of love.
Now as you all know, I preach the words "art, music and love" as the meaning of life. But there is nothing wrong with exploring each of these notions deeper. 

 I definitely think that everything in life should be stemmed from love. As love is created by a multitude of aspects such as respect, peace and humility. You should speak to people with love. Treat them in a lovely way. Be kind, be humble and always do everything with love. 
Now that encompasses two points. First of all, there are a lot of people who treat you like shit. Plain and simple. They have no respect, they act out of selfishness, speak ill of you when you aren't around, and pretty much act in the opposite way to love. 
These people annoy me. Dont like them, I dont have any time for them. However, I will be lovely to them just cos. In order for me to practise my philosophy I have to adopt these actions!

Also, when it comes to art and music. Well that is a love affair. A lovely place for me to be. It feels lovely to make art, look at art, touch art, feel art, listen to art...etc etc etc.
Art is an expression of love, and should always be done because you love it. 

Been checking out music videos and taking screen shots of interesting compositions...this was one that I came across when checking out all the posted links from people on facebook..tbh I forget whose it was and what song it was. I do have a feeling it was electronic, so if any of you know can you remind me?? Cos my short term memory is rubbish :(



Im totally in love with the quality of these images. The movement, the expression, the desaturation and the "mystical" way in which they feel.

LOVE is everything and all there is. (thanks john and yoko) 

annie xx

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

numbers

who is into numerology? Signs? Symbols? And dreams out there? 

I am. 
If you have read the alchemist, it surely has changed your life. 
I think I read that book when I was about 16 years old, as a geeky girl in high school with not a clue in the world about where life would lead me. I used to feel self conscious even saying hello to people and wanted to crawl into the ground even getting on the school bus by myself! hahaha, what a geek. 

Now I look at the past ten years of my life. I have lived by myself in 3 major cities in the world outside of new zealand. I have traveled the world and I have stayed true to my dream simply by following the signs that show themselves to me. And I have let myself be taken on the journey that has presented itself to me. 
Somehow I have ended up back in New York for the second time. 

This week marks the beginning of a new chapter. The lead up to the end of the week dated 10.10.10 was one of where everything came to a head for me professionally. And all the while it was stressful, I kinda knew why it was happening. 
I used to look at work stress and when things fell apart as grounds for sadness, but now I look at it as fates way of making space for something else. 
And that is what has happened....

Today I have had to make a HUGE decision as to the next step that I shall take. Two opportunities. Both fantastic although one more amazing, but at the compromise of my happiness and a wee bit of sanity, which lets face it- there isnt much left of that with me anyhow. 

Come to the conclusion that I had to remember WHY I came back to new york. As a girl who shoots for the dreamiest of dreams, I have decided to push myself as hard as I can go and experience how steep the mountain really gets right before you reach the top. 

Sacrifice everything for the dream, for art and for the stars. 

annie xx

Monday, October 11, 2010

star

I have a friend called star. 
She is amazing, and I don't say that lightly. 

This girl has literally changed my life and perspective on everything. She is the most spiritual, accepting and beautiful girl I have met in a very very long time. 
Every now and then, as a girl misunderstood; I meet someone who makes up for all the people who never really got it. And this girl is one of them. 

Im lucky that I dont need screeds of people in tune with my brain patterns and who I am. Just one every now and again. Like little diamonds in a dark sky and the light is so pure and bright that it makes up for all the absence between. 

She came into my life for a season and changed it in the most beautiful way. And she is leaving to move to Paris. My beautiful Jesus freak who is a couture fashion designer. 
And one day, when I marry my partner in crime SHE will design my wedding dress!!! 

I am tres sad that she is leaving, but feel very blessed for having known her.

I love you girl xx

Sunday, October 10, 2010

for the sake

Maybe, Im just writing this post for the sake of it. To let you all know that even though I havent posted in like a week. I still love you all :) 

Soooooo much is happening in my life right now with work, travel, friends, spirituality etc etc. 

My bestie told me that Im on a spiritual journey and I guess he was right. Im very aware of the truth in any situation more so than ever now, with an astute ability to know exactly what is happening even without being told and even when Im told the untruth. 
Not so much psychic, dont get me wrong. But instinctive. 

So thats enough of that, I choose to keep this one semi to myself.

I can however tell you that the season's have changed and new things are upon us. Underworld is playing live in new york city on the 28th (dying with excitement). Im going to Paris to spend time with a bestie. Im working out and feng shui-ing my work schedule so I can really focus and do my photography properly. Also so I can see my friends and have fun fun fun to forget about the seriousness that I place on myself and my life. 

All I can say is right now....Im looking forward to my vacation in Paris. I really think I need it, especially after the year that I have had, that is NOT over yet

Get it girl 

annie xx

Sunday, October 3, 2010

sleeplessness, unicorns and paris

It has become a very common occurence for me to face plant the floor in my breaks at work and fall into an hour long coma. Reason being I. AM. SO.FRICKEN.TIRED!!

Why do I have this overwhelming desire to work work work?? No big deal though because I have "goals" in mind and I know all this work leads to somewhere.

I met the minds behind lime crime make up at Irregular choice one day at work and to be honest...(this is kinda bad), but I didnt know who they were or much about the brand at all!!
However, one thing leads to another-business cards exchanged and this week I finally got my ass into gear and emailed them.
Blah blah blah, long story short. Awesome meeting with them and now im shooting the promotional material for their new product. Its an eyeshadow primer called "candy girl" primer.

To many of you, this may not sound exciting, but let me explain to you WHY this is awesome.

Lime crime is a brand that uses the idea of creating a "world" around the make up and injecting color and fantasy into the world. And I live my life in fantasy so what a great team we will make.

Their company logo is the unicorn and our store has a giant unicorn in the centre...Without revealing too much, the shoot is gonna involve the unicorn, oversized candy and oversized hair.


Im going to be working with some brilliant minds and the creative explosion is going to be huge.
I love fairytales.

Lets just say, Im tres excited :)

And what's this about Paris you ask???

I'm going to Paris in November for a vacation, as i think I need it. PLUS PLUS one of my favorite people in the world is there so Im going to go chill with him. Drink French wine, eat French food and be the bestest kiwi trash kid duo in the whole city.

I love it when the seasons change...although all this excitement makes me stay up all night, then stay sleepy all day :(

annie xx

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

I love this band..stevie does it everytime

Now here you go again
You say you want your freedom
Well who am I to keep you down
It's only right that you should
Play the way you feel it
But listen carefully to the sound
Of your loneliness
Like a heartbeat...drives you mad
In the stillness of remembering what you had
And what you lost...
And what you had...
And what you lost


Thunder only happens when it's raining
Players only love you when they're playing
Say...Women...they will come and they will go
When the rain washes you clean...you'll know


Now here I go again, I see the crystal visions
I keep my visions to myself
It's only me
Who wants to wrap around your dreams and...
Have you any dreams you'd like to sell?
Dreams of loneliness...
Like a heartbeat...drives you mad...
In the stillness of remembering what you had...
And what you lost
What you had...
And what you lost

Sunday, September 26, 2010

God

this is a blog about my family who i love and miss a lot today!
had a dream about my mama and brother stevie last night and there was a new batman movie on that we were going to, which is something that we would probably all do together cos we are geeky that way!

It made me sad to realise that although im super stoked to be back here....a part of me will miss home very dearly and be a little frustrated that there is nothing in my being that can be there right now. 

Maybe one day if I was fortunate enough to complete the 3 most important things in my life and find love and that may lead to a family....who knows what life will bring?

BUT in other news I had a crazy experience the other night. 

There is a girl I work with called Star and she is very very much in love with God. So me being me, we have all sorts of deep and intense conversations about Jesus and spirituality. 
She is involved with a group of people who have a weekly catch up where they worship the goodness of god, and pray for people that they feel compelled to pray for. 
I know a lot of people kind of judge Christians and all this. But in my eyes, an expression of love is just that and it isnt a bad thing and it doesnt matter where it comes from. As long as it is good. 

Anyway, so they prayed for me. They wanted to. And it was really beautiful to hear these people who had no idea talk to me in such a loving way. They also spoke of what I believed and had no idea of who  I was and what I loved. They told me about my photography amongst other things. (Its maybe on the side of a bit too personal for internet! lol) BUT it was a great experience and I am glad that I was  open to receiving that kind of good energy. 

They also prayed for my parents..so there you go guys. The Jesus freaks send their love too :)

annie out xx

Sunday, September 19, 2010

pride, love and God

I love America. 

For those of you who have never been here...they love their country too. 
There are so many american flags everywhere. People saying god bless america and so on and so forth. 
I LOVE IT!

And everyone who knows me, knows how much I love to wear american flag paraphernalia also. At this point in time I am rocking an american flag patent and sequin bag, an american flag coin purse and an american flag scarf around my left biker boot circa inspiration "breakfast club" one of the greatest 80's movies of all time. 
So anyway, I took some pictures on my way out to jersey one day of all this american flag "business"

I had a talk with my coworker one day about religion and belief, God and spirituality etc etc. I love that jesus freak. 
She sent me a prayer meditation link and I fell asleep to it that night. I pretty much floated to work the next day feeling like there was a definite shift in my life.
I saw this guy outside the subway in Fulton Park, just palms up to an american flag. And we all know what palms up symbolizes in religion.
It was a beautiful thing to see, someones faith and love in everything that he believed. And to see him absorbing it all in. Maybe he was crazy, but in a city like this everyone is. 

Today I am going to beacons closet (my fave vintage store in the whole wide world) with my dear friend chris. I call him chrispy treat cos they are sweet and he is literally the sweetest person in the world and I cant help but smile when I am around him. 

So having said all that about america. Dont get me wrong, I love NZ and I love the fact that I am from there.
I was actually a little homesick this week (I know words you never thought you would hear me say)
I guess I had an emotional start to the week and craved homely comforts and cuddles from my familiar loved ones. 
But its all good now and I am looking forward to visiting NZ. But sorry team, the situation still stands. Im just a bit too happy in this country to ever imagine moving home in the near future. 

Still love you though xx


Sunday, September 12, 2010

FNO:2

I totally promised more pictures of the night. So here is my perspective as I was taking pictures for the Irregular Choice blog. Somehow pics for my blog ended up in the mix. 
I guess the way I photograph for myself is different than for other people. Im not interested in the glamour and masks that the fashionistas put up. I want people as they are. And instead of storefronts being flooded with people, I choose absence and surreal lighting....evidentally, this has lead me to the decision of my next lighting concept for the next installment of personal art. 

But having said all that. I still LOVE fashion and LOVE everything about it, almost.

I wish I could live my life only working on art and have that as my career...one day maybe 

my fave customer and future burning man buddy

co worker Hope and a boy named Chance...
i love the light outside with the blues....

i love this girl 
as usual, I end up hanging with the only kids at a fashion party rocking sneakers! cos they were MY friends
another awesome customer friend. The CEO of limecrime make up. this chick rules!!!

 love xx