Part Time Punk

  So, I've been house sitting for my girls, Alex and Britt.  While they are hanging around in Seattle and Portland, I am here in the sunshine capital, manning their home and getting to spend some quality time with Teddy and Potato (their adorable cats).

  While looking for things to do, I came upon this book and decided to borrow it (thanks ladies!)  It is called Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk.  I was sold with that title alone.  Since high school, I've always had a little bit of lingering rebellion inside of me, but I was way too timid to fully commit to anything my parents wouldn't approve of. I had Goth friends and really wanted to be Goth.  I loved The Cure, and had wannabe Doc Martens, but that is as far as it went.  I didn't really think I would look good wearing black lipstick, witchcraft was never my forte, and hanging out in graveyards seemed too scary.  I never did drugs, never had the desire to, but knew some people who did.  The hardest thing I ever did in high school was take a few drags from my friend's clove cigarette.  How PUNK.

  In college, I got really obsessed with The Clash, and I only knew a few Ramones songs.  I've always loved the Talking Heads because my mom had Little Creatures on cassette tape, and would play this over and over.  If I were to label that band, it would be more "art rock" than "punk", I guess.  A teacher of mine, Michael Perkins, use to bring vinyl records to class, and that is when I first heard Funhouse.  You can literally feel the raw energy that Iggy projected onto that album.  It still gives me chills every time I play it.  And the saxophone, people!  That sax! 

  Right now, I am exploring the Velvet Underground chapters.  Unbelievable stuff!

  "IGGY POP:  The first time I heard the Velvet Underground and Nico record was at a party on the University of Michigan campus. I just hated the sound. You know, "HOW COULD ANYBODY MAKE A RECORD THAT SOUNDS LIKE SUCH A PIECE OF SHIT? THIS IS DISGUSTING! ALL THESE PEOPLE MAKE ME FUCKING SICK! FUCKING DISGUSTING HIPPIE VERMIN! FUCKING BEATNIKS, I WANT TO KILL THEM ALL!  THIS JUST SOUNDS LIKE TRASH!"

  Then about six months later it hit me. "Oh my god! WOW! This is just a fucking great record!" That record became very key for me, not just for what it said, and for how great it was, but also because I heard other people who could make good music-without being any good at music. It gave me hope."

I G G Y    P O P
I love him because he is fucking nuts

your friend,

ava


  

Waiting for the Fall

  This LA summer hasn't been that bad.  I mean, it's been really, ridiculously hot, but that is good for beach days (I need one of those), and maybe evening picnics (in the shade), and the summer is great for sipping on cold beverages while hanging out on your porch (if you have a porch), or sitting on your front steps, or the grass, or in your air conditioned vehicle....

  I love the summer and need to take more advantage of it while I house sit this week for my friend's Alex and Britt.  I'll be documenting my stay and cannot wait to see what I come up with.  Highland Park and Montecito Heights are rich with history, and I love to explore that area.  I'll be snapping photos during that exploration and taking in the scenery.  More on that very soon!

  While we bask in the sunlight, here is something to look forward to in the Fall/Winter.  I am dying over these J.Crew for Fall ensembles.  So chic and classic with a colorful twist. 

W A N T

I absolutely love this bright coral dress and that drop waist.  This one is on my wish list!  All you need is some pink lipstick and heels! So elegant. 

I love how outfits are put together for this company.  They come up with great combinations that I would never even think of.  That skirt and sweater together is just gorgeous, with those red shoes and everything.....SO RAD!  A stand out for the next New Years Eve bash!

Cable knit and sequence? Sign me up! 

This whole outfit is a winner.  Something Bianca Jagger would have worn at Studio 54.  She puts my 30th birthday party to shame, btw.

xx

your friend,

ava

G O   T O   T H E   B E A C H   ! ! !

  

Happy Monday!

Look at this image of Lucille Ball!

source

your friend,

ava

K O K E D A M A r a m a !

G E T   C R A F T Y

Photo by Lili Cuzor aka Tigers to Lilies (a new favorite)

  This is my hanging plant, or Kokedama in Japanese!  I had the pleasure of attending a kokedama making workshop with my lovely friends, Stefani and Angie.  It was at a place called Shelter Half, for their Midsummer Nights Crafts (the last workshop is T H I S Thursday, people!) Go get your craft on!

  Lili Cuzor was our kokedama extraordinaire and an excellent instructor.  She also has this rad blog called, Tigers to Lilies (! ! !)   L O O K

  She was the sweetest.  In fact, everyone I met that night were absolute dolls.  So welcoming as Stefani and I entered the room (we were half an hour late due to terrifying LA traffic, which led us through the mean streets of downtown during art walk...ART WALK....then over the hump towards the west side.....UGHHHHH, the pain and pleasure of LA life), we were put to ease immediately with the warm greetings and got our hands dirty right away while listening to the epic sounds of Peter Gabriel and the sweet melodies of Francoise Hardy (I need to add all her records to my collection).  So glad we made it to this class.  It was inspiring to create something new and make new friends.  Pure joy. 

  More photos below that Lili snapped throughout the night. Enjoy, and go make something!

Everyone looks so summery.  IN LOVE!

My creation!  He hangs in my mother's office, by her window!  Ps: See that necklace I am wearing?  That is a handmade beauty by Stefani.  See more necklaces she created HERE.  Let's all force Stefani to start a necklace making workshop!  I would go to that in a heartbeat!! 

Look at that mess we made!

  

  I have to thank Angie for inviting me to Midsummer Nights.  Thanks, Angie!  Angie also mentioned the wonderful evening HERE.  Blogging Buddies! 

your friend,

ava

  

Kate Bush Diary

  On display at Synchronicity Space, August 10th.  For more info, click here.

  

  They are framed and on sale at the gallery. $100 ea.  Email me at ava.alamshah@gmail.com if interested!

your friend,

ava

This Weekend...

Dish Inspirations

  Today's breakfast was inspired (more like stolen) from the beautiful blog, LA in Bloom.  I think I have to work more on my presentation, but it was the easiest dish to make, and I LOVE easy meal ideas because I can become quite scatter-brained in the kitchen.  I found Heather Taylor's blog site, by looking at THIS blog.  These women have amazing style and great ideas about food, art, dress, life...really inspiring.

 I plan on picnicking with Jeaux this week and am going to steal T H I S.   I already bought figs, and instead of basil, I have mint.  Can't wait!

 More meals to come! xx

your friend,

ava