Earth Hour 2010

We've made it my dears! It's another year and I didn't forget Earth Hour this year! Cheers!

Okay...so what is Earth Hour? Well, it's an hour that the whole world turns off it's lights. Sadly it's not one fall swoop of the switch. Each time zone turns off its lights at 8:30pm. I'm hoping that the pub I'm going to tonight joins in.

The point? We rely so much on electricity - try an hour without it. Last year I had a week without internet to much the same effect. It's kinda crazy how much we need it. So give it a try. You can use it as an excuse to cuddle up. Have fun!

the first day of spring

It's interesting to see people talk about the weather. It was cold outside today and didn't feel exactly like spring, but it was its first day. I do it mostly to engage in conversation when there is nothing else appropriate to say. Kinda sad really, but you really see how people react to nature. Sometimes I wish I could say what's on my mind, but you can't always do that. So yes, it's sad but true: I am avoiding talking about what's really important to me.

How's that for an icebreaker? :laugh: I haven't written on this blog in awhile for various reasons, but mainly I hate editing myself for fear of losing my job. Honesty is sometimes inappropriate and will always be in certain circles. But here, I will write about beauty, the environment, Austin, modeling of course, and the resources we have at our disposal. I'll try to write more. Promise.

Capital Metro

Hi there. Haven't written in a bit, and I apologize. It's getting harder to write about modeling when you aren't doing it as a full-time job. For those who are, I know the pay rate and how hard it is. I remember filling my gastank a quarter of the way or half tank if I was lucky. We depend on buses.

Capital Metro is taking a survey of all the riders and their routes from February through April. Surveyors will be identified with a nametag as representatives of Capital Metro, so there is no need to worry about creepy guys asking where you live. Look for the CapMetro nametag.

Tell them what routes you need in place to make traveling easier. East/West routes? I personally want the #9 to go to Laguna Gloria on weekdays. There are a lot of classes at Laguna Gloria and the #9 only goes there on Saturday, a day in which I've never model there. Tell them what you think. Collectively we can make art modeling a sustainable career. I have some more ideas, but patience is key.

Brave New World

One should use the phrase "brave new world" with caution. I've only heard it from antagonist characters now that I think about it. So the season of Heroes ended. The last episode, "Brave New World," had Claire (the cheerleader) reveal to the world her ability. Gabriel remarks, "It's a brave new world," that humans and people with powers can live together out in the open.

What if I told customers what I did in my free time? I don't want to think of the consequences to the business. Really, it's like telling everyone that your summer job is stripping. Claire knows there is going to be trouble, but really people should deal with it and live in truth together. Isn't that what Jesus wanted? Sorry to pull God into it... rather... wouldn't you like to really know your Grandmother before she dies? I would. It would mean visiting her every week to learn all her secrets, loads of patience, buying her groceries, and diligence...but wouldn't it be worth it?

I dream of a day where art models don't have to get a second job to make ends meet. I dream of a somewhat New York blase look to the words, "I'm an art model," or even the day when I say it without a hint of shame. I am thankful that my co-workers are kind and treat me with dignity while knowing that I model. I am thankful that my family has learned to live with it, but I also want art models to be an intricate part of society. Needed. I need artists in my life and they need me, perhaps that is enough.

PS I'm so glad Gabriel/Sylar is becoming kinder. That was a wish of mine this year.

The Model Schedule

A good planner can be the best asset a model owns. With a schedule that fluctuates like Austin's weather, having a calendar or planner pays for itself with one days work. Needless to say, having one helps with one's reputation as a model. Planners keep a model from forgetting any gig.

What I wanted to talk about was something a bit larger in scope. Art models in my experience are part-time. When I was working full-time as a model I didn't realize how bad financially I was doing. All bills were paid, and I don't want to get into details, but I was scraping by. I'd love to work the job I am now, model a little, and in my spare time work on the guild. The guild would provide so many dreams come true, perhaps not in my lifetime but eventually.

My question is this: Does anyone else want to art model full-time if it were possible financially and had health care benefits? Would you volunteer your time to make it happen? Feel free to email me or comment.

I learned the word 'ephemeral' today.

I miss my International Relations Theory teacher. She was one of the most astute yet jubilant people I've ever met. Usually scholars hide behind their intelligence. She didn't and learned more by doing so. She was one of those people who stands on the brink of a glacier and dives into an even more vast and complex field of knowledge, looks back and rethinks the world. She would never get bumper stickers because of it.

So here's to ambiguity! No bumper stickers and public announcements for me. I'll leave you with mehndi a beautiful ephemeral body art until I have my chess pieces in order. It might be awhile.

Photo via Love Mehndi.

There will be no change for now.

I like snakes. Why? I could tell you a long story about pre-historic religions and the etymology of the word gerontology ... but we'll leave it at they're ever-changing.

Sometimes I'm indecisive. Really indecisive. It's amazing that I have a tattoo and still like it. So there's this job and it's nice, and then there's this other job that doesn't pay well but makes me smile thinking about it. I chose the latter ... for the rest of my life. Would you like another tattoo with that, miss?

I change clothes like a girl or a snake. I'd love to get a snake tattoo, but I chose that I would change my skin like a snake. Models and snake tattoos don't mix - unless you've established your career already. So I change my clothes a lot as a model, and I love it. I finished a kimono in two days and it's beautiful. I'm up for a lifetime of making beautiful clothes and all that goes with being a model.

Image via Jon Todd