Feeling Fall

I'm starting to feel that magical feeling I get every October, when the weather starts to cool down and I wake up to grey skies (that turn blue after 8am, but there you have it, Los Angeles).  The pit of my stomach gets all fluttery. This feeling that I'm about to open xmas presents or take a trip to an unknown destination. I just love this time of year. The air feels crisp and I go fix myself a cup of Turkish coffee - my aunt, Violet, just showed me how to make it and I'm still a bit rusty, though it looks beautiful doesn't it? 

The weather hasn't been the only thing to lift my spirits. I've been productive for the first time in a little while. I met some women recently, who do different things, and have inspired me plenty. One is a musician and life coach of sorts, the other is a tattoo artist. Another beauty is a fellow photographer…all these ladies have given me a boost of confidence. I have this new found creative energy. Here are some photos I took during a lovely afternoon picnic with my new friends. 

Ladies of the Lake

all images © Ava Alamshah 

This was one of the last days of summer and is embedded in my memory as one of the best times I've had this year. It's been a roller coaster, and will continue to be, but this time I'm going to go down with my arms raised all the way up. Stepping out a little bit at a time - out of that comfortable place I always put myself in.

Also, there's Halloween. My costume inspiration? 

xxx

your friend,

ava

The Shining

I am obsessed with Shelley Duvall's yellow jacket and moccasins

LINK

LINK

  This just means that I am excited for Halloween and fall clothing.  I wonder if I can find a southwestern pattern similar to this one?   

  Just FYI, try not to fall asleep while watching The Shining.  You may wake up the same way Wendy Torrance wakes up; to a disturbed child shrieking, "REDRUM!  REDRUM!!"  ***shudder***

  The colors and patterns in this film are visual candy.  Kubrick was a master.

L O O K

Behind the scene continuity polaroid
LINK

um...

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   ! ! !

  

Burbank (Part One)

This photo was taken a few weeks back in Burbank.  I thought this wall looked really 70s and fit very well with what Jeaux calls, my "Big Lebowski" sweater.  I love the way the lines flow in contrast with the patterns.  Some parts of Burbank are like stepping back in time, and I really recommend a visit.  Lots of mom and pops are still in business, like Tony's Bella Vista Ristorante, which hasn't changed one bit.  I was born in Glendale, and I remember going to this little Italian eatery with my parents. I couldn't have been more than 3 or 4 years old at the time. I remember a lot of red, and last year I took Jeaux there to see it again.  The decor was just like I remembered, except smaller because I've grown, but the red leather booths are still there, as well as the little white xmas lights, and pizza! There are some really cool shops and restaurants on Magnolia Blvd. that I have yet to explore further.  There is a gluten free market, lots of little antique and vintage shops, small coffee houses....

Another great treat...Portos!  It was my first time checking out the one on Magnolia, though I've been to the Brand location many times.  When my mom use to work in Glendale, she'd come home with a box in hand filled with potato balls, stuffed with ground beef and those amazing meat pies..a savory and sweet experience. Jeaux wasn't feeling the lines, but believe me, it is SO worth the wait.

My friend, Robbie, was having a book signing at Dark Delicacies that day.  She is a dear friend and my former high school art teacher, and an all around beautiful person. Funny enough, I've never read any of her fiction, but I cherish the life stories she tells me whenever we have some quality time together. I always tell her that she should write a memoir because her stories are so full of character and so, so interesting.  We have shared funny tales of dating horrors, dealing with unrequited love, falling in love, travel, misfortunes, successes....life, and she has lived an adventurous life thus far.  It was great to see her at this signing, which was for the anthology,  Dark Passions XIII.  I'm going to have to read it one of these awesomely gloomy days, but probably only her chapter (because I love her).  I'll do this covered in blankets, while sipping on some warm almond milk.  My friend, Ema, turned me on to warm almond milk cooked with a bit of honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg, sprinkled with a bit of fresh ginger for a kick.  I'm hoping it gets chillier, otherwise it won't be as much fun. I'm tired of pretending that I live in a place with four seasons. It's time to accept that LA is so unpredictable, though the wannabe goth in me wishes for more rain.  Here's to good friends...a rarity, and when you find them, hold on to them!  


More images and stories about that day in Burbank very soon!   .Virtual hugs.




your friend,




ava