Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Extra Extra! One Skank Too Many on a Cold and Rainy Day

As you all have read earlier, I've been endeavoring to make a silk purse out the minimum wage sow's ear called "extra" work by looking at the positives and taking creative moments where I found them. All the while getting food poisoned (you haven't lived till you've vomited 6 times in a port-o-john), serious sunstroke (14 hours outside in Santa Clarita in July), freezing in the winter (cause it's supposed to be summer), burning in the summer (wearing full winter gear outside in August), numerous blisters from shoes that aren't meant for lots of walking (thanks costumer!)... getting the picture?

All of these negatives came into crystal clear focus the day I had to work on an upcoming tv show called Franklin and Bash, downtown a few weeks ago, on a freezing, windy, rainy day.
LA City Hall

Rain Over Downtown

This was not the first time I was cast as a hooker/skank/bar whore/swinger (such a class act!), BUT this was the first time that it made absolutely no sense. In a group of appx 100, most were dressed in "legal" wear or police uniforms,while myself and one other lucky gal got to be dressed to thrill. Since it was supposed to be summer, no outer wear was allowed, so I was given a corset top that was cut down to my bellybutton, a skirt that barely covered my tush and a 5-inch pair of hooker heels. At my insistence, I got a low-cut tank to go under the corset and tights so that my ass wasn't out in the wind. Somehow the other chick was given a leather jacket. Oh yeah, I grumble, cause this same girl found a way to disappear and not have to work... all day. So in a group of people dressed normal, you have one person, ME dressed as a major whore, getting attention I do not want (thanks creepy guys!), AND FREEZING in the rain cause we weren't allowed our coats. Then the one shot I got placed in, I got pulled and sent to the far back for the rest of the day (something very frustrating that happens almost every time - what can I say... I have charisma!).

Description Not Necessary...
Since Hollywood hookers don't have pockets I got to keep my iphone here all day... yep.
If only it had a heater app.

Starring City Hall
Notice how everyone else has long sleeves? And the crew in coats!
Good Luck passing this off as summer.
See if you can spot the stars in this picture.

Two Hearts and a Shoe
These earrings were the width of my foot.
Ladies, if you have earrings like this, Hollywood thinks you're a whore...

Smoky Justice
Downtown politics is dirty smoky business.

In addition to the above, I didn't eat breakfast due to the long costume line, and got to enjoy what cleaning a port-a-john smells like up close, so by the end of that 13-hour day,
I was feeling the utter humiliation of being a prop, totally at the whim of every
person above me on the production totem pole.

So when I got booked on a large, outside call in the middle of nowhere at 6am the next morning, I told them to SHOVE IT. Life's too short to feel that miserable for minimum wage on something that does nothing to advance my acting or writing goals.

So THANK YOU Franklin and Bash for being that one straw too many! I'm happier already.

Now would be a great time for a visionary producer to pick up my pilot script...
hint hint Universe.

Until next time... Miss Absinthe

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Rainy Day Photo Adventure

Last Wednesday, LA experienced a classic downpour and afterwards I took a long walk around my Melrose neighborhood and its alleys with my Charlie-dog, taking pics. The day before had been particularly tough and trying (post on that to follow), so I was in dire need of the inspiration and invigoration.

Brown Leaves/Pink Flowers/Blue Toes
Pink flowers keep brown leaves company, companions in carnage.

Blue Balloon

Good Times Left Behind
Must have been a fun party...

Wet Hibiscus
I imagine this is what Hawaii feels like.

I Say Tomato
Regard le pauvre tomato...

Wet Backalley Racism
Apparently racism is still in vogue in some alleys... wonder how long it's been there.

Says it all
Got to admire straight and to the point.

There are very few things that can beat a long walk after the rain... merci weather gods!

Until next time... Miss Absinthe

Monday, October 11, 2010

My Fall Fashion Bohemian Rhapsody



Recently, I had the opportunity to do something I love love love... style and model a complete look for a fall 2010 look-book with Two Point Oh LA, founded by Kelsi Smith of Dedicated Follower of Fashion, and sponsored by The California Market Center (whose showrooms we pulled from) and Nyx Cosmetics (who provided the shoot makeup).


I had so much fun and got to meet some great and stylish LA bloggers.

Fall Fashion at CMC
These were the items that spoke to me... and I wished I could take them home!!!
(l to r)
pink Yoana Baraschi scarf
feathered necklace by Micha Design (my favorite piece)
Dish Denim jeans
cream Yoana Baraschi lace top
slate grey Cynthia Steffe faux fur
not shown - Sophie Monet rings and Big Buddha Handbag
AND I'm holding my Diana F+ Nightcap camera in all shots!

Lovely Lady
Lovely Lauren Mathews had to try on the Cynthia Steffe coat... ah temptation!!!

Micha Designs Jewelry
Micha Design jewelry is all made from recycled and often vintage pieces. Instead of sketching her designs, Micha lets the pieces organically evolve into being. I want all her feathered pieces!!! (especially the one I wore)

Sitting out the hostage situation...
What do I do during a possible hostage situation in the bank downstairs?
(aka never a dull moment in my life...!)

Two Feet and a Reflection
I take pics of my feet and downtown LA - notice my reflection on the left, like a billboard.

Merci Merci Merci to Kelsi, The CMC, all the lovely lovelies I met and to the designers who gave me a sweet Cinderella moment!!!

Until next time... Miss Absinthe