xo

© Ava Alamshah

Tim

On the occasion of my friend Tim's birthday today, I decided to post these images of him that I took back in July, or was it August? Anyway, they are finally here. His birthday was my motivation. I suppose Facebook is good for something. 

Tim, you are the best! I hope you are enjoying your European tour and that you are eating lots of European chocolate, and meeting beautiful European humans. 

Tim represents Los Angeles dubstep in these portraits. He was playing dub in the club back in 2006/7 (maybe even earlier, but '06 or '07 is when I heard him spinning dub in a San Francisco basement, underneath Chinatown). Didn't know what to make of it then, and still don't, but I can appreciate Tim's genius. Check out Tim's work here.  Did I mention that he composes for Adventure Time? Also, we went to college together and he is the sweetest person. A true gentlemen. Side note: He use to wear rainbow colored clothes and have blue hair. Our youth!

I keep mentioning this to people, but I think he resembles a young James Woods in some of these photographs. All on 35mm film. 

© Ava Alamshah / all rights reserved

your friend, 

ava

…coming back from a long weekend

My experience at this year's LA Zine Fest was extremely amazing. I want to write about it and all the wonderful people I met, but I need to decompress for a day or two (I am exhausted). To all my friends & family who showed their support, I want to thank you. I feel very lucky to have such beautiful, talented, and kind people in my life. True gems. 

Until my next entry, I thought I'd share some photos I took of my neighborhood, Historic Filipino Town & Echo Park proper. x

all images © Ava Alamshah

your friend,

ava

disposable

E C H O   P A R K   R I S I N G

I tried out a disposable camera for the first time in years (I honestly can't remember the last time I used one). Here are the results! The purest in me loves the nostalgic, dreamy quality. The graininess just adds to these photos of crooner, Gabriel Hart. I work with Gabe, and he is in a few bands. His band, Jail Weddings (best band name ever!), capped off Echo Park Rising three weekends ago. I'm glad I was finally able to see him perform. I was starting to feel guilty, always mentioning that I was going to check out a show, and always, always flaking. 

I ended up going to this show on the night of my Mom's birthday. She showed up to my place earlier, and we had brunch at Cliff's Edge, followed with pedal boating at the lake.  I am a tourist in my own city. I realize that I've blogged about the lake several times now. It's all I can talk about. It has given me peace of mind, and I've fallen in love with Los Angeles again. 

Mommy & Me being tourists! I love you, Mom.

life vests are so hawt right now

©Ava Alamshah

Recently, I was told that the city dyes the water blue. I was kind of bummed to hear it, but it certainly looks extra sparkly! And check out that r a i n b o w !!
 

your friend,

ava

Echo Park Life

L O S   A N G E L E S 

Last Friday, my family came for a visit to see my new place. I was really excited to show them the newly renovated lake. My aunt Violet said that my tiny apartment reminded her of Europe. 

I'll have to ask my landlord, but I believe the building is from the late 30s, so it definitely has that old world charm (with some quirks here and there). My place is coming together very slowly. I'm currently in that nesting process.

I think the photos from my last entry represent the day so clearly. My cousin and I are riding the peace train. I just love that photo so much. Here are some more...

I love this woman. She is a good human being.

The lotus flowers are epic. I was disappointed to see trash floating around near the wetlands. Come on people! The lake has only been open for two weeks! Sigh...

Sweet babies, chilling out in the grass & getting some sweet vitamin D.

Dad is also getting some vitamin D action. Looking suave, as usual.

siblings 

love

My cousin likes to make me things. Her art is displayed on my fridge and gives me the greatest joy. Here is something she created a while back. 

your friend,

ava


©Ava Alamshah