the stone

"the stone" dave matthews band.

Truly, I've been avoiding blogger recently because there isn't much to write about since I've been off for more than two weeks (and two more to go) and mostly stuck in my house.  So what have I been doing with this free time that I barely get the rest of the year? 

Well... I had one of my coolest friends, Pav, stay over the weekend.  This New Englander is my photoshoot partner from the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad (I say this because we watched so many Kill Bill scenes this weekend) who has  hooked me on Andre Agassi (since she gave me his autobio Open - which is freakishly amazing by the way).

Honestly I do not follow tennis nor do I play it, but from reading this book my respect has gone up so much for the sport.  Agassi's book is truly amazing, and I've learned so much about tennis.  I have found many similarities between tennis, ballet, Agassi, and myself.  For instance, he was put into the tennis world because of his tennis-crazed father.  My mom forced me to take ballet, except fortunately I learned to love it... Agassi, however, hated tennis all his life.  Another coincidence was that he went to a tennis boarding school in Florida.  Who knew?!  There he suffered from the normal boarding school tendencies, all of which I understood (such has being homesick, boredom, fatigue, horrible food, and the worst - competition).  However he was a bit lucky in the fact that he could actually rebel without getting expelled (something I only wish had been my circumstance).  Anyways, highly recommend this book for anyone.  You don't have to be a sports fanatic, historian, or (in my case) a ballerina.

Back to my life... So to fill the empty space of time these past few weeks (the last of which has been disgustingly rainy and cloudy), I've been drawing/painting, taking pictures, and playing guitar. Woot woot!

"Blackbird"  I rewrite all Tabs because it helps me learn the song better.

charcoal, watercolors

pav drew with charcoal, and we both painted

an old pen drawing i made, and just painted today

pav has a puppy bassett hound that she's obsessed with.  this is her charcoal rendition of him

this one is all pav. charcoal/watercolors yet again.

pav again. this is ebony and sharpie

What sort of visit would it be if my and Pav didn't have a photoshoot?  So we packed our gear along with my awesome-photographer-sister, Stef.  We went to a state park with waterfalls and rocks.  So beautiful.  Unfortunately it was not just raining, but POURING. The whole time.  It was difficult, but it actually made some of the shots look even cooler.  After the shoot, we climbed our way back to the car, wringing out our soaked clothes and cleaning up all the smeared makeup from our faces.

stef, american apparel shirt

pav is wearing a lace dress and chiffon dress by american apparel and a free people blazer

myself. wearing red american apparel dress with H&M lace shirt, coach belt

This weekend we also made smore by our outdoor-chimney and went swimming in our pool at night with glowsticks!!  The glowsticks in the pool was awesome especially when you swam through them.

a really bad-quality photo of the glowsticks being thrown into the pool.

Tomorrow is the only sunny day this week... the rest is thunderstorms like it has been since last week.  We're hoping to cook some homemade pizza one of these days.  I also need to start organizing clothes, furniture, kitchen stuff, etc. for moving to Pittsburgh.   I just got word yesterday that the program starts Sept 6th and I get to take FREE open classes!!  Yes, I said free.  woot woot!

Cheers everyone to a crappy week ahead... but beautiful day tomorrow! =)

photoshoot with stef.

"fat old sun" pink floyd.

Finally, as promised; the pics from the photoshoot!  It was our first time working together on a more serious level, but I have to say, my sister is freaking awesome.  My sister is a wicked photographer (check out her new BLOG and her TUMBLR).  She just started the blog (but I'm sure it'll be awesome), and she's been using the tumblr for a while now.

We took the pics with her amazing photography camera.  Inspiration? Nothing really exact... the shoot was completely random, so we let our clothes inspire for the lines of the photos.  We had random music shuffling on (I recall some red hot chili peppers). We had wanted to go outside for a more natural setting, but it was stifling hot, so we stayed indoors.  After much consideration, I decided to take down at least 100 magazine pictures on one of my walls (it was sad, but I feel much more relieved, and my room looks alot more open).  So we used this free wall for the shoot. ENJOY!

before the shoot. going to miss those pictures

don't judge. this definitely isn't a true posse.

love this one of her

this totally looks like an Aldo shoes campaign

The GOODS: 

En moi: Tilly's bandeau, H&M sweater, Ralph Lauren slacks, Bandolino pumps, pearl, geek glasses
En Stef:: American Apparel tunic, Hollister belt, Boutique9 pumps

Hope you all enjoyed the pictures as much as I did!  Keep checking posts!  Future posts will include: photographer spotlight, jewlery, another corkboard storyboard 

another day in nyc!! (part 5?)

"territorial pissings" nirvana. intro is boss.

Fun last few days!  We had family over for Father's Day, and my sister and I did that awesome photoshoot (still editing the pictures, as promised, don't worry just keep checking my posts!!).

corn on the cob, salsa, homemade coleslaw, edamame and cucumber salad. YUM.  I have to say; pictures of food give me such joy.... and HUNGER.

Turtle Pond, Central Park, near 79th

Belvedere Castle, near Turtle Pond, Central Park. how beautiful is that veil?????!!!!!

Monday I went into NYC for the day.  I caught up with a few old friends (going to miss them like crazy).  Then I headed over to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the Alexander McQueen exhibit.... but it was closed!!!  I felt so proud to have walked all the way across Central Park and up all those steps (gossipgirl anyone?), and then the security guard said it was closed.  Felt like the end of the world.  So I sucked it up and bought an ice cream and started walking up more past the Guggenheim (which I knew was closed so I didn't bother).  Then I headed over to a suggested thrift store, but no luck there.  So I started making my way downtown to the closest train, and I ended up making love to the H&M on 86th.

Class In leotard!!! H&M high-waisted denim shorts. finally!! =D oh and please ignore the hunch-back here.

The shorts were perfect, AND they were like half off! How could I say no?  The leotard, I'll admit, was a splurge.  But the color is amazing for me, and it's just too pretty.  So after my mischievous rendez-vous with H&M, I rode down to Times Square and then rode to the upper west headed for Lincoln Center. There I met up with another friend and her mom.

Lincoln Center Fountain!!! decked out in AA and birkenstocks =]

We watched ABT's Coppelia with Natalia Osipova and Daniik Simkin.  GAAAHH!!  Osipova was beautiful as always.  There was one part where she was impersonating a Spanish Doll, and I swear on my life, she was born to do Spanish anything.  I must see her in Kitri next year. Must.  Simkin is soo cute!  He was the perfect Franz.  Everything was perfection except he almost fell at the end of his turns, and he didn't look strong enough to lift Osipova (who is only 5 foot, 4).  The production was great (staged by Freddie Franklin); costumes were pretty although I wish there had been more colors, especially for Swanilda.  I love the music as well.  I never realized how much Coppelia my pianists use in everyday classes.  I really enjoyed the show (and it was only two hours, which was a relief).  I am certainly pleased with the shows I watched this year at ABT.  Now I only hope they do Lady of the Camellia's and Don Q next year.  I'm scared Julie Kent will be leaving soon (25 years!!) so I'd like to see her with Roberto Bolle in Camellias.

from left: Hee Seo, Vitali Krauchenka, Simone Messmer, Daniil Simkin, Natalia Osipova, Roman Zhurbin, Luciana Paris, some dude i don't know.

As for today, early early this morning (when I got home), I ordered beautiful Oxfords from Aldo ON SALE and FREE SHIPPING. Yes, oh yes.

so excited to get in the mail!!!

 I also got these desert boots a week ago from Aldo:

IN LOVE. oh, and ON SALE!! yeahh baby!

Today I took my first ballet class in a month, and I put on pointe shoes for the first time in 2-3 months.  It felt soo strange!  Class was very hard, but tomorrow it will be even harder.  My back started "shocking" when I bent over to tie my ribbons... guess I will ice and everything tonight.  I'm scared for Pittsburgh SI.  I'm so so so so badly out-of-shape.

my cat, Chloe, but better known as The Pussy. she likes fish and cold tables in the summertime.

Trying to keep positive, so I will go edit more pictures from the photoshoot.  Oh and look for a future post about one of my friends from Pittsburgh who is a freakishly amazing photographer.  Au revoir, mes amis!

v for vendetta

Right now I'm watching V for Vendetta.  My mom is laying next to me falling asleep (like always), and I'm editing some pictures and preparing for tomorrow's trip to NYC.  Anyways how awesome is this movie?  It's nothing at all what I thought it would be.  First off, how cool is V's "Guy Fawke" mask??!!  He is brilliant, and I love how he is so eloquent.  Portman is also incredible; her accent is believable, and I still can't believe she actually had her hair shaved off for this movie!  She still looks gorgeous with no hair, I must admit.

Today before celebrating with my dad and grandfather, my sister and I had our first photoshoot together.  I went through my closet and tried on these amazing slacks my mom left me.  I thought they would look weird, but they are freaking amaazing!  First of all, they're high-waisted - which I love.  Secondly the buttons in the front are so so so cool!  They're also comfy and flowy.  The bandeau I found at a small store in the mall, and the sweater is my sister's from H&M.  Necklace and earrings from Pav =] and nerdy glasses from a friend.

Here is a sneak peek of the outfit... I also want to put up some pics I took of my sister.  I am very excited to watch Natalia Osipova and Daniil Simkin in Coppelia tomorrow!  Whilst I'm in NYC, I think I will also check out Alexander McQueen's exhibit at the Met Museum.  I also want to go to the Modern Museum of Art.  Oh how I love the city.

no idea why it's orientated this way because it's saved right side up. who knows?

This is my last week before summer intensive starts!  Going to enjoy it, and I hope the weather will be beautiful.  Good week everyone!

these are a few of my favorite things

Currently listening to the whole dark side of the moon album. "us and them" playing at the moment.

Today was kinda crazy.  My head was hurting a little, but it stopped after I took some pills ("pills are good" - dumb and dumber).  My variation class we did the second Odalisque variation (second var.).  I got frustrated because I knew the choreography and music, and my teacher said I was wrong.  I know I was right, and so did everyone in the room.  I'll stop complaining.  It turns out the same time I had variations, our partnering teacher got nose-whipped, and he was bleeding.  His nose looked a bit crooked afterwards but he's fine.  Then I had contemporary rehearsal.  It went well, especially since it was my second time running the pas de deux section.  

So happy one of my coolest friends, hem hem, pav, started blogging (check her out!).  She made her first post early early this morning.. or late last night? Well anyways hit her up, I predict her blog will be amazing.  Anyways she inspired me (yet again for the tenth time?) with her first post, so I am going to do a similar post with things about me (not put in ranking order)

#1."Dark Side of the Moon" album

How amazing is this album?  It's too amazing for words to express.  I'm one of those people that like to listen to albums, not songs.  And this album is perfect.  "And if the cloud bursts thunder in your ear.  You shout but no one seems to hear.  And if the band your in, starts playing different tunes, I'll see you on the dark side of the moon".

My brother took me to a Machine (most perfect pink floyd cover band) concert at BB King's for xmas.  It was so freaking amazing.  If The Machine comes to your town, GO SEE THEM.

I must say, my other favorite Pink Floyd album is "Wish You Were Here".

#2.

Stephen King.  Ok, so I don't like him, I just like reading his books.  I've read Dead Zone, It, The Shining, The Stand, Desperation, Cujo, Thinner, and probably others I can't remember.  All of them are amazing and so much better than the movies.

 #3. 

LA VITA E BELLA: LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL; This is my absolute most favorite movie ever.  I have an obsession with Italian films, due to my innate Italian pride.  It's such a beautiful film; it's comedic, dramatic, and romantic.  If you don't like crying watching films, DO NOT watch this.  Roberto Benigni is so talented, and his portrayal of this young boy's father is so loving and protective and innocent.  The little boy is ADORABLE.  I just want to squeeze his cheeks and watch him run on those short legs. Nicoletta Braschi of course, is beautiful.  Too bad I am not fluent in Italian, because at least the subtitles are beautiful.

Other awesome Italian films that I love: Cinema Paradiso, La Piccolo Diavolo (also with Benigni), and Amarcord.

#4.

SHOES. I love them way too much than my wallet does (or my mother's).  I'd rather buy one pair of shoes than a bunch of cute outfits.  They're worth it.

#5.   

Natalia Osipova. My favorite ballerina presently dancing.  I love how she involves herself in each character.  Oh course those jumps are amazing, and she definitely jumps higher than the men  I saw her do Giselle (best night of my life ever) and Sleeping Beauty.  One of my dreams is to see her in Don Q.  I love her to death, and I can't wait to see her in Coppelia and The Bright Stream in June.

#6.

  Maya Plisetskaya. My favorite ballerina EVER.  Her autobiography is really interesting, and I can't believe all things that she had to go through in her life.  I look up to her most, and I wish I could meet her.  She is THE best odette/odile, and her Bolero is incredible.  Only Natalia Osipova can jump like her.  Did you know that Maya is one of the ballerinas in Chagall's painting at the Metropolitan Opera House?

 

#7. H&M is the best clothing store. Period.  I have definitely spent the most money at this store, but it was all worth it.  Love the H&M on 5th ave.  I love how they're coming out with alot of designer lines that are more affordable.  This season is so cool - lots and lots o' denim!  (I'm still looking for the perfect high-waisted denim shorts, in case anyone cares).

I HATE how there are no H&M's in Florida.  IT BLOWS.  I always have to wait for when I go home to shop there.  Maybe one day they will spread to the south.  Or even open their online store to the U.S. too! (what's up with that? american store not selling in america online?)

I don't understand. non capisco.

#8.

Giselle.  My most favorite ballet.  I love romantic ballets over the classics, and this tops them all.  The thing I love most about this ballet is the music.  I can listen to Act II everyday for the rest of my life... easily (and I do).  It sounds so spooky yet so sincere and soothing.  Giselle needs to be played by a smaller dancer, and by someone who can transform themselves from an innocent peasant girl to a crazy heart-broken woman, and to a spirit.  

I can never figure out Albrecht.  (but I suppose it depends on who is playing Albrecht).  I feel like he is almost the 'hero' of the ballet.  But then again, he can't be the hero.  He pretends to fall in love with Giselle, just so that he can have a good time (sort of sounds like some men today, no?), and then of course everything crashes up into pieces... Giselle goes mad and her poor little heart breaks because it's too weak.  Talk about a romantic ballet...

My favorite part to watch is definitely the Mad Scene and Act II when the Willis are arabesque-chugging across the stage.  

Best Giselle versions: #1 Carla Fracci = best Giselle EVER.  I think most people would agree with this.  Paris Opera Ballet with Laëtitia Pujol is incredible.  The corps de ballet is literally so perfect, it's unbelievable. I absolutely adore Alessandra Ferri as Giselle.  She is so light and airy.  Alina Cojocaru is also a wicked Giselle, but I don't like the Royal Ballet in it.  Svetlana Zakharova is way too tall...  Again I must say, Giselle needs to be a smaller dancer with broader shoulders and beautifully parted hair.

#9. Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.  One of my most favorite books.  Only thing is that I hate re-reading it, I can't, because it honestly loses its touch each time.  Nonetheless I enjoy Holden Caulfield's rambling thoughts about phoniness.  Honestly, I do.  Sometimes I feel like I can relate to him when I'm feeling depressed.  Afterall, I go to a freaking boarding school that I hate.  Miss my sister and family.  I've even thought about just leaving my school, but it's so close to graduation.  I also don't call up random people I've barely acquainted myself with... or prostitutes for that matter.

also #9.  This book has greatly influenced me since I first read it in middle school. It's amazing how its told through a young adolescent, yet it explains so much from an adult point of view.

I'm starting to feel another headache coming on.  Alors, je dois dormir.  Good night everyone!  Oh, and I think I saw about a minute of the "3 hour" wedding today.  Yippee. Her dress was nice I guess.  I only saw them sitting.  I don't fancy Willy much, but she's pretty atleast.  What is the big deal, why do so many girls like Willy?  Oh Willy Willy.... pourquoi?

Anyways I hope someone out there enjoyed my narcissistic post... then again this entire blog is conceited.

Ok. good night. buona notte. bon soir. boi noite