Roadside Attractions

C A B A Z O N

On the way to this year's Coachella fest, we made a pit stop.  As a little girl, seeing Pee Wee's Big Adventure forever ingrained images of gigantic dinosaurs, biker gangs, and Large Marge in my head.  To this day, Large Marge still freaks me out.  **Shivers**

When Pee Wee gets dropped off at  the desert dinosaurs, he meets Simone and they watch the sunrise together.  Probably my second most favorite scene in that film, and  this scene, being my first.

I had no idea that Cabazon was an actual place until around 2003, while heading towards Joshua Tree, I spotted the giant t-rex in the distance.  I was so excited and vowed that one day, with more time, I would visit these creatures.  So glad I finally got to explore.  The verdict?  

B I Z A R R E,  in the very best way.  We found out that it's a creationist museum, trying to debunk Darwin's theory of evolution!  Heavy stuff.

 

Check out those chompers ! ! !

your friend,

ava

All images  © 2012 Ava Alamshah

 

Coachella, Old & New

C O A C H E L L A

 

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A couple of entries back, I wrote about my birthday trip to Coachella.  You can read that here.  I realize that there are so many posts about this desert oasis, yet I still feel compelled to write about my own experience.  I've always been nostalgic, and turning 30 has forced me to reflect so much more about my life. I look back fondly on how exciting and dramatic my 20s were.  I learned a lot through these experiences. About true friendships, and love.  It feels good to be 30.  I still have no idea what I am doing, but I can say that with complete confidence.  Life is good. 

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Absolutely, one of the best performers there.  He played this favorite of mine and he wore gold sneakers.  We are kindred spirits, Jimmy and I.

your friend,

ava

All images  © 2007-2012 Ava Alamshah

The Knights of Cabazon

C A B A Z O N

I had no idea that dinosaurs lived during the Middle Ages

I just got back from my Coachella weekend on Monday, and needless to say, it was an adventure.  I took way too many photos that I need to sort out before scanning, so here is a sneak preview of what's to come.  It's time for me to start publishing a collection of books. 

Here is a shot of my wardrobe selection.  Although we were camping, it was still very important for me to travel with function and style.  You never know when you are going to have your picture taken.  I packed the mixes I made specifically for the trip. One for turning 30, the other for this year's festival.  


Here is one of my favorite tracks.  These guys were  I N S A N E  and I loved every, loud minute of it!  


ps! The video has Kenneth Anger written all over it.  I recently discovered that the director, Brian Butler, is Anger's protege.  RAD

C O A C H E L L A   V A L L E Y

Our home for four nights!  We are troopers. 

Stay tuned for more  C O A C H E L L A   2 0 1 2   ! ! !

your friend,

ava

Coachella Bound

This weekend will mark the end of my 20s.  A lot of mixed emotions go through my head ranging from excitement, to pure dread.  There are still so many things I have yet to discover, and I thought I'd have it figured out by now. 


Ah well, I will embark on a short journey to Coachella Valley and watch Thom Yorke do his lotus flower dance, while I leave my youth behind me.  It has been wonderful, so far. 


Amber and I will make a few stops along the way. 


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I really wish I could say this photo is one of mine, but alas, it belongs to this guy.  Straight out of a Rodger Corman movie!  

your friend,

ava

My friend, Rio

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I'll be turning 30 this Saturday, and that means my friend, Rio, has known me for 11 years.  He is an artist and has a solo show at UC Santa Barbara.  I was so pleased to get a sneak peak of his work.  Very bold, colorful images. The icing on the cake for me?  3D.  Yep, 3D.  You will have to see it to believe it.  Rad stuff.  If you happen to be in SB, the reception is tonight at 6pm. 

Holding up the classic Doggystyle

Seeing Snoop and Dre together at Coachella Valley this weekend.  It will be my g funk dream come true.  I remember those school dances when they would play the censored versions and teachers would tell kids to stop freaking.  I was never one of those girls, much too awkward and innocent (though secretly wanting to be "bad").  I have a fond memory with Rio, listening to this in my car, outside the CalArts Amonsen building,  and rapping along (badly) to every word.  We meant it, too. 

This is our loose (very loose) interpretation on "American Gothic".  Click on the the photo to enlarge.

Meeting Rio's girlfriend, Sarah, was such a treat.  She is a sweetheart.  

I don't know what this is.  Looks very conceptual.

I don't know what this is.  Looks very conceptual.

                                       
your friend,

ava