Week 13 in New York: Flora, Fleeting

When I first visited Westchester, spring was just around the corner. I could sense that something magical was going to happen in just a few short weeks. That was March 1st of last year. By my second trip down in mid-March, it was clear that my instant love-affair with this place was not unfounded.

In those short weeks that I had been away, spring had erupted with full force. The amazing blossoming trees, paired with the beautiful tudor and brick homes, the narrow parkways, the babbling brooks at every turn, the worn but absolutely stunning bridges, the 'horse crossing' signs, the forests of bramble surrounding all the old mansions and quaint towns - it was like I had driven into a whimsical fairy tale world - minus the snotty rich people and their SVUs.

Although I'm from upstate and the spring there is as beautiful as any other, it was the amazing flora combined with the old world architecture that really drew me in. A year later I've settled into knowing that Westchester is just like every other new place, that it has its ugliness and its loveliness like everywhere else. The winter was dull and brown and lasted for what seemed like forever - just like everywhere else. Winter always seems interminable while the other seasons just seem to pass by in the blink of an eye.

While waiting for the train the other morning I noticed that over night the magnolias had start to awaken and bloom. It won't be long before that eruption of whimsy takes over again, if only for a brief moment before the summer rolls in. Although we may not have much in the way of sakura trees like in Seattle - the blooming trees here send the same message - appreciate that fleeting beauty, the ephemeral nature of life - keep it with you always and live each day as if it won't be there again tomorrow.

Cheers,

Breezer M.

Week 12 in New York: Crafting for Sanity

Although I'm not particularly proficient in any one craft, I have dabbled in many. When I was really young, I made killer boondoggles, floss friendship bracelets, and a fetching line of tunics and sac dresses for Barbie & friends.

Once I got into high school I got into intricate hemp designs, throwing clay, and real-life sized versions of those same sac-like designs once sported by my doll collection.

I never really picked a craft and stuck with it. I either got bored, realized that I'd have to work to hard, or just plain forgot about it. The knitting needles and 100 squares that I planned to stitch together for a blanket that are sitting in a closet somewhere since the 8th grade are a perfect testament to my flightiness. While I've consistently loved snapping photos and through the years and have gotten better equipment, even now after all the time I could have been spending on learning how to take better shots, I'm still only mediocre. I am not a photographer - I'm a photography hobbiest.

When I moved to California, I bought a sewing machine. It was very expensive and I've used it approximately 4 times in 4 years. I also got into a wealth of other crafts while I was there - including paper arts inspired by a dear friend's dear friend, and the craving to make jewelry from that same dear friend's other dear friend. While I was there though - I was a lazy crafter. I had all the time in the world but I had no motivation to actually create much of anything. However, it at least whetted my appetite for the future.

When I moved back east and then down to Westchester, I realized very quickly that getting my feet on the ground here was going to be tough for me. I'm not a social butterfly and coming to a new place not knowing but one soul was very lonely. Upon the discovery a craft store across the street from my job, I figured it was the perfect time to take on something new.

The excitement from buying my first set of jewelry making supplies was tantamount to elation. My first "creations" looked like absolute crap. A year later, they don't look quite as nascent as they did then, but I'm still learning. The beautiful thing of it all is that a year later, I'm actually still producing. In the history of my life, I've never stuck to anything for as long as I've stuck to this craft. As my collection of beads and findings and charms grows, so too does my collection of experiments, rejects, and the occasional winning pieces. I've sold a few, given away many, and even had a few commissions. I think that without this pass-time to get lost in, I'd've been lost here a long time ago. I'm happy to have found something that keeps me this content, sane, and occupied.

Maybe by next year I'll actually have enough of an inventory to keep my etsy store stocked.

Cheers,

Breezer M.

Week 11 in New York: Movin' to /məˈmɑrənɛk/

Since high school graduation, I have moved sixteen times. It has been a never ending ebb and flow of comfort and discomfort. Stability and in-.

Temporary, temporary, temporary.

I've moved in and out of so many circumstances and situations, that I can barely find one suiting enough to call home. It seems that true home is where I always end up in between all of my life's changes - my parents home, my childhood home - the only constant I've had as my '10 Year Reunion' creeps closer and closer as this year matures.

I've moved across town, across the state, across the country. In good weather and foul. More often than not, my father puts down whatever he's doing to come and pack me up and join me on the journey to my next destination.

My state of flux has become synonymous with one of vexation. As I get older, the more I move, the less whole I feel. I not only leave behind material things I can afford to live without - I also leave behind pieces of me, scraps of memories, and unrealized futures. Every time I move, I launch myself down a different path - the vexation being that I have yet to find that move that keeps me from moving.

That said, I'm optimistic about this one. After living in Westchester for less than a year and this making my 3rd move, I have come to a point where I'm ready to put down some roots. I have my friends, my boyfriend, my job, yoga, and my amazing new apartment. Things may not be perfect just yet, and they are bound to change - but come hell or high water, I'm not moving again until there's a zombie invasion or an outbreak of the plague.

Thank you to my wonderful parents for coming all the way from Syracuse to help me with the transition, and thank you to my boyfriend who took time out of his incredibly hectic schedule to be there by my side through the whole thing.

Cheers,

Breezer M.

Week 10 in Seattle: Sakura

Well what can I say? SPRING IS HERE! I don't care if it's still only in the upper 40's or low 50's. For me, Spring is finally here when the Cherry Blossoms are out. This was the first discovery of them this year. Swoon. Unfortunately for this tree, a car had hit it and it cracked at the bottom so it will be dead soon. Over at the University of Washington campus it's Sakura heaven. That campus is amazingly covered in them. I even have some in my yard at home. I'm sure you all will see more of them in the weeks to come! Over in New York I know there was another snow storm. I don't miss it there at all (except for my friends/family). I'm much happier with Sakura in my life in March. :D

Cheers,
Jill Rachel

Week 10 in New York: Cutie Acclimatization

Fruit and I have had an unusually tumultuous love affair. I've never been one of those kids to shun the more healthy fare of fruits and vegetables - never one to balk at the USDA's suggested daily serving. One of my earliest memories is of watching Willow (daily for years) and every time the Madmartigan scene came on with him dressed as a lady and the apples were falling all over - I'd call out to my mother "Mom!! I need an apple! No skin!" and like magic it would appear. The mere sight of fruit make me crave fruit. There are worse things I would think that a child could demand of their parents.

Fast forward to a decade later when the tumult begins. I'm 15, out on the prowl for the perfect dress for my boyfriend's junior prom. Though I took the whole day off from school that day - it wasn't the main intention, but the reward. First, I had to visit the allergist. After an hour or so of being poked with tiny needles, and an arm full of what looked like sadism personified, I was told that they had no idea why I had developed an allergy to all fresh fruits and vegetables. The hypothesis was that the environment they were grown in, was to blame. All those pesky pollens coming home to rest atop those delectable goods of the earth. So with nought in the way of good news, and no reasonable solution, I was told to suck it up, cook everything, or eat nothing at all.

The rest of my high school days and on into college I was on a strict don't eat or die diet. Although I pushed the boundaries of this diet quite a bit, I knew that pushing too far would leave me gasping for air and wondering if that one baby carrot or that one piece of melon had really been worth it in the end...which hopefully, would not REALLY be the end. Years later, when I moved to California, everything started to change. It seemed like gone were the days of sneaking grapes and blueberries. The change in environment was a change in my system and after a year of acclimation, I was able to eat full blown proportions of almost any healthy yum-yums that my heart desired.

This bag of Cuties (or "clementines") is what I've been able to hold on to from those California days. I spent just two years in Los Angeles, and after a year of being back on the East coast, my system again is starting to reacclimatize. I cling to my strong system of the West, but unfortunately some of those allergies are starting to creep up again. Bananas were the first thing to go. But until these vibrant little cuties threaten to destroy me, I'll go on enjoying 2 or 3 a day, just in case there's no tomorrow.

Cheers,

Breezer M.

Week 9 in Seattle: Nothing but music

Some weeks I think my job is the music scene, and not in Neurosurgery. This was one of those weeks. I'm going to keep this short and sweet since I really have no words in me today. This week I got to photograph Curious Mystery, David Grey, and Morcheeba (seen here). Having 2 large shows plus an in-studio session really take up a lot of time in my life. On top of working 40+ hour weeks, I subject myself to head straight to dinner after work followed by 5 hours in a venue with sweaty smelly people. The energy is good, the music is great, but I'm just tired. If this was all I did for a job it would be great. Doing it on top of a stressful job just makes my life more stressful. I know I will never be a photographer full time, but I can dream!

Cheers,
Jill Rachel

Week 9 in New York: Subculture in the Suburbs

Late nights in Westchester are pretty uneventful - dare I say - boring. For those of us with schedules even remotely on the cusp of being nocturnal, it's damn near impossible to find anything to do after 10:00 pm, let alone a place to eat a good meal. With NYC only 20 minutes drive, you'd think that this sleepy suburb would take a page from their book and have some semblance of a night life - but, you'd be wrong.

Out of this though, has evolved an interesting subcultural - the diner life. Where I'm from in Upstate New York, there's one diner. It's where everyone ends up, every weekend night, after a night of drinking and closing down the local bars.

In Westchester though, every town has a diner, and sometimes two. You can take a drive down Boston Post Rd and see not one or two - but three - in a 5 mile radius. It's a diner-lover's paradise. Here is where not just drunk people stumbling around and hoping to sober up before they drive home come, but where you'll find every different walk of Westchesterian life. The older married couple, out for a late night steak, the college kids gossiping about the latest scandal, the crazy woman who can't believe the waiter would have the nerve to sit her in the back room. Then, you'll find me, the late night yogi. Usually accompanied by Carlo and Carolyn, or any combination of the three, ravenous after yoga or school and too tired to think about cooking.

On this particular night - a Friday night, mind you - after eating a nice dinner out with five of our friends in honor of Carlo's birthday - at the ripe hour of 10 pm we were kicked out of the restaurant and had to find somewhere to sit down, have coffee and dessert, and continue our little celebration. Where could we possibly go? Well, that's right, the local diner.

Just a mile away - because diners are everywhere you want to be - we settled into a two hour encore conversation complete with bottomless coffees, delicious cheesecake, and real vanilla bean milkshakes.

At midnight, when Carlo's birthday actually struck - we all wished him well, went our respective ways, and said what I'd like to think, were our silent little praises for the diner capital of the world - Westchester County.

Cheers,

Breezer M.

Week 8 in Seattle: Handmade Goodness

My bouts of craftiness go in spurts. I will work for weeks on knitting, scrapbooking, or sewing projects then take a month or so off. I think this stems from not having a "crafting studio" to really get work done. Now that I think about it, I've not had a studio since I left New York for Seattle. Even there the studio was part time since I had my best friend move into the room for a while. I'll be moving into a 3 bedroom condo/townhouse on July 1st. The third bedroom is small, but definitely large enough for a crafting desk, shelving, and a comfy chair. I'm hoping that will help spark some inspiration and motivation!

The fingerless gloves you see here are my new favourite thing. I've made a few pair in different weight yarns to find my most loved. This yarn is Mission Falls Superwash Merino. It's DELICIOUS. These are super squishy and very toasty. Generally when you are binding off your piece at your fingers you bind off in a way that makes it stretchy. I did the opposite. I bound off so that they have very little give. Let me tell you- best decision ever. Most gloves like this that I've tried stretch out so much they start to fall off you. These are PERFECT.

I'm hoping to find more crafty motivation soon. I find it hard to make good things come from a non-ideal situation, but maybe it's time to change that.

Cheers,
Jill Rachel

Week 8 in New York: The L Word{s}

It's not often that I make it down to the big city. Although I live only about 30 miles away, I have it in my head that it's a cumbersome feat of epic proportion. Getting there, navigating my way, having any real purpose or destination - these are factors that frankly, seem insurmountable! Therefore, I in fact, have not been into the city on my own since having moved here about a year ago.

As with all misperceptions that are eventually dashed by reality, this one too has been.

Armored with intention on Friday, I made an early morning trek down to Manhattan. Sure - I missed my train in Port Chester, had to drive 15 minutes south to run and catch the Crestwood blue line. Sure - I then had to ride the train for 30 minutes, wend my way through the millions of commuting masses at Grand Central, catch a shuttle to Times Square and then get on the 1 train for another 10 minutes, and sure - I then had to walk 6 blocks in the pouring rain in heels - but it was all so eaaassssyy!!!

I know it doesn't sound it, but honestly, I was stunned at how relaxed and calm I was throughout the whole endeavor. How easy it is to get into that NY state of mind. After tending to my little errand at the local Law Library, I stopped to enjoy the incredible wealth of beauty that the lights & lines of Lincoln Center had to offer. The city on a whole is so stunning when you take a moment to step back and appreciate the intensity of the architecture around you. It's a never-ending smörgåsbord for the amateur photography hobbiest.

Hopefully I'll be getting down there a little more often in the days to come with any luck.

Cheers,

Breezer M.

Week 7 in Seattle: Breathtaking Views.

The scenery in Seattle always amazes me. Every day I see something breathtaking. In Washington State we have Mountains (high enough to have SNOW), Desert, Rain Forests, The Ocean and Lakes. In a 6 hour car ride you can hit all of them. There aren't many places where this is possible.

On Saturday Laura (roommate) and I went for a 4 hour walk around our home. We live 5000 feet from the Puget Sound in 3 directions. From our dining room you can see these mountains- the Olympic Mountain Range. If you walk down the street for 3 minutes you come up over a ridge with an even better view. Walk 15 minutes down to the water and this is what you get. A sweeping view of the entire mountain range! Mount Olympus, the largest mountain on the left (south) end of the range tops out at 7980 feet above sea level making it the 5th highest mountain in Washington State. Don't worry- I will have Mount Rainier photos up here at some point during this project. :)

When the weather warms up a bit I'm definitely going to be taking more day trips to photograph this beautiful state.

Week 7 in New York: Feathers & Friends

Sometimes inspiration strikes at the strangest times, and in very strange ways.

This slightly feral, framed, feather formation hit me out of nowhere one afternoon while I was getting started on a very other craft project. As I sat pulling feathers apart from the bunch they came in from the art supply store - in preparation for creating feather earrings for a client of mine - I noticed that I had lain them all in perfectly straight, puzzle piece, interlocking rows. While this was fascinating to me (the subconscious always is, no?) I knew that I couldn't take ANOTHER photo of stuffs just sitting in their place. So I started looking around for a more creative outlet.

I thought about taking them outside and seeing what I could do with nature - but it's winter, and it was windy - so that was a no good. I mentally went through the possibilities of what else I could do - ranging from gluing them to the door to hanging them up on fabric with string and straight pins - I realized that the answer was right in front of me.

This frame until recently (and probably will again soon) housed a gridded photo that I took in California. Knowing that it would be the perfect home for my fanciful feather design, I quickly took the photos down and got to work.

I realized soon after that this was an absurd idea and that none of the feathers would actually stay put for very long, nor would they actually even go in the positions that I had intended. However, the end result was pretty funny, and decided that it needed to be recognized for what it was. The polaroid of my girlfriends in the middle was a last minute addition when I noticed how spot on the color-scheme matched with the feathers.

A week later - after taking about 5 feathers down for the earrings, 3 more feathers falling on their own, and then taking about 8 more down for a second pair of earrings - this spontaneous combustion of creativity, is looking laughably pitiful. Time for the photos to go back up!

Cheers,

Breezer M.

Week 6 in Seattle: Poison

Last year I had the opportunity to photograph so many musicians. It's a pretty cool gig. Being from New York I was not really that aware of west coast bands. And actually, I was pretty out of the cool music loop all together. I grew up listening to mom's music- Karen Carpenter, Anne Murray, James Taylor, etc. You get the idea.

One year for Christmas my grandmother got me a Phish CD. I thought I was the coolest kid ever. Turns out I was the last human on earth to get "Billy Breathes" as a gift. That Christmas my sister was pissed at me. *I* got the Phish CD and she didn't. I never really liked her taste in music but I did like Phish!!

In 2001 I started dating James. He introduced me to so much: Stereolab, Steely Dan, MMW, Nickle Creek (note: NOT NICKLEBACK)... Within a year of dating I got to meet his brother's girlfriend (now wife) Liz. Liz, let me tell you, is the shit. She was really the person who influenced me the most in this area of my life: Old 97's, Liz Phair, Belle and Sebastian, Wilco, Billy Bragg... See where I'm going? This girl was my hero.

I'll get to the point here. I don't remember anyone introducing me to early 90's R+B. I guess it just kind of happened? This week I got to photograph... drum roll please.... Bel Biv DeVoe. HOLY HELL. I love these guys!! And to top it off, the other artists there (that you would know) were Jon B, Al B Sure!, and SWV. What a rockin' show!!!! I mean seriously- who wouldn't like hearing BBD's song "Poision" last 15 minutes with an awesome DANCE OFF!?!? My life sure can be pretty darn fantastic.

Cheers!
Jill Rachel

[For a full review with photos from that concert, visit http://backbeatseattle.com/wordpress/?p=43722]

Week 6 in New York: Thrifty Socialite

I'd like to say for the record, that I promise next week's photo won't be a tight, over-exposed, "stuff" shot! Clearly, I like these types of shots, perhaps too much. I'll switch it up. PROMISE.

I decided on Saturday afternoon, that it had been far too long since I'd been inside a thrift shop. There was a time that I couldn't make it a full week without stopping into any given shop, the thirst of the hunt too intense to be sated. Recently though, I've become jaded by Westchester thrifts - their ridiculously overpriced used goods, the lame selection that is most likely going to be picked over by the ever growing populace of those hipster folk. And, in truth, I've too, probably just become lazy. So, I decided to make the journey to my local Salvo - all of 1 mile away.

It was like a big warm (if slightly moth-ball smelling) welcome home hug. This particular Salvo has been a big letdown in the past, especially considering the shear magnitude of this place. The first floor is full of your random odds and ends, the second floor is entirely dedicated to women's clothing and the third floor is a mix of men's and children's. That's right. A three level Salvation Army. You'd think this would be fortune and glory personified - but the ratio of awesome to tragic in this place is 1:150. However, I felt like today was the day, and I ended up being at least 80% content by the time I left two hours later. I not only picked up this amazing brand new Zara dress for $4 (yellow tags 50% off!), but I also came out with a cute plaid tunic and business dress & blazer combo. Not my usual bag, but they definitely suited my current needs. Not much in the way of functional vintage on this day - so I'll have to try again in a few weeks.

Armed with this amazing steal of a dress and feeling good about getting out and about, when my girlfriend called in the evening and asked me if I wanted to grab a drink, I was only too excited to oblige. What could have easily been a jeans & tee night out, became a 'let's dress up like real girls!' outing. I would never ACTUALLY describe myself as a socialite - but it's great little finds like this one that make me want to get out there and wear my thrifty threads loud and proud.

Cheers,

Breezer M.

p.s. bonus!

Week 5 in Seattle: Seattle Center

There are so many things I love about Seattle. The culture, the food, the scenery, and the weather (yes, even the rain!) top that list. This here is one of those things I love. Right in Seattle Center which is home to the Space Needle (seen behind the trees), lives this popcorn cart. I've never seen anyone actually selling popcorn or even a human inside the cart. During the day Seattle Center is bustling no matter the season. It's full of locals and many visitors. In the late evening there is hardly a soul around. This night I went to the Pacific Science Center to see "Laser Floyd"- a live laser light show in the planetarium to the music of The Dark Side of the Moon- and enjoyed a peaceful walk through the tree lit walkways of Seattle Center. For me, walking through this area is a staple of my living in Seattle.

Cheers,
Jill Rachel

Week 5 in New York: I Say Bagel; You Say Bagel

This is a two part story - one half food, one half linguistics. It's hard to say which comes first, or which is more important - but the end result is that these are two things that help to define me as a person.

My love affair with bagels started so long ago now that I can barely remember life before them. It's like they've always been there - soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, warm and delightful - taunting me from both near and far, seemingly calling out to me saying "Eat me, Brianna, I'm delicious." So I do. And often. I've had good bagels, amazing bagels, mediocre bagels and bad bagels. It's not that I blame the bad bagels, though. I blame their makers - and their unfortunate lack of the proper setting, because I think we all know, there are no bagels in the world...like those in New York City. I'm sorry, but it's just fact.

When I first moved to Westchester, Carlo introduced me to the tiny hole in the wall known only as the Wykagyl Bagel Shop. This place...really doesn't even have a name. It doesn't need one. It's so incredible, that Westchester-ites know it, or have heard tell of it no matter where they live, where they've come from, or how long they've been here. It's legendary.

As often as I can possibly get there, I go. The pumpernickel has become my standard. With a giant slab of cream cheese. And though this place doesn't toast - the bagels are always fresh, warm, and crispy, making it a nearly magical - definitely spiritual - experience, and wonder to behold.

This all being said, it's not without tribulation that this miracle of bageldom is enjoyed, which brings us to part two. Linguistics. I know up until now you've all been reading about bagels and saying 'bay-guls' in your head. Your vowel here is a close-mid front unrounded vowel that borders on diphthong where as my vowel is a near-open front unrounded vowel. Try it and see what you come up with. In fact...try it while eating a bagel. Just for me.

I bring this up because I'm probably the only person EVER to say this 'incorrectly'. I've tried to change, to no avail - and trust me there are no shortage of people in my life that think it's hilarious (and possibly annoying) that I can't say this the way they can. So, while I will continue to enjoy this absolutely unparalleled carbo-creation...I'll do so at the mercy of those around me...and their giggles.

Cheers,

Breezer M.

Week 4 in Seattle: Meeting Sean Lennon

For the last 2 months I've been taking a mini hiatus from doing Music Photography. Between Moving, my new commute to work, the holidays, and attempting to unpack and settle in, my time has been precious. When I did have free time I was just exhausted.

On Saturday, my first show of 2011, I had the privilege of being the photographer for the last tour date of GOASTT. The band is comprised of Sean Lennon (yes, John Lennon's son), Charlotte Kemp Muhl, and CJ Camerieri on the horn. Usually there are 5 photographers there for various publications, but this night I was the only one! Duma Love from Cibo Matto and Laura Gibson were the opening acts. The show was great. Really low key, not too packed, and full of laughter. After the show I got my CD and set list signed by Sean as well as a hug and photo-op.

Some days I just want to shoot for a living, but I know that's probably not feasible unless I can invest a lot of money and time- both of which I am lacking. So for now, back to the day job.

Cheers,
Jill Rachel

Week 4 in New York: Becoming a Bikram Yogi

I've never been an athlete. More than that though, I've never really even been physically active. While I love walking aimlessly around cities or through forest trails, I've never had a burning desire to just get out there and exercise. In high school, I was introduced to yoga in the boys wrestling room in our school basement. Although the gnarly lingering scent of sweaty boys was ever present, I found that I enjoyed the stretching, the postures, and the meditating - the getting in touch with your body and the getting out of touch with everything else that plagued you in a day. Even the stench disappeared after a while. After high school, I went in and out of yoga classes. Never really finding the time or the energy to continue to practice it seriously, and never really being that interested or excited to stay focused.

But, I've always been achy. Bad hips and knees, and a worse back. I needed to find something that would keep me fit and make me feel better - or at least make me feel like I'm not a 74 year old woman. One day a friend suggested that I needed to look into Bikram yoga. He told me how it helped his aches and pains go away - how it made him feel great. I listened and went...and fell in love. Although it's not for everyone - with the room set to a hot 108 degrees fahrenheit and 40% humidity, for 90 minutes of intense physical drilling - it certainly felt like it was for me. For a brief time before moving from Los Angeles to New York, I practiced here and there, as often as I could be bothered. I wanted more, but my circumstance at the time was not particularly conducive. Once I moved back to New York, I found that it was a rare find to come across a Bikram studio, and ended up not continuing to practice. A year later, after a serious amount of life changes, including another change in location, I've found my way back, with the help of that same friend. Carlo and I, now together, also practice together. I have a renewed vigor for the high I feel when I come out of that room, knowing that I'm alive. That I've survived another class. My aches and pains have been replaced with sore muscles, but in a way that actually makes me feel good. I can't get enough. On days when I don't go, I tinker at home with the postures I struggle on, and am excited to get to my next class. On the days when I do go, I feel more whole, more happy, and more able to do whatever it is that I need to do.

Maybe I'll practice a little pada-hastasana before bed.

Cheers,

Breezer M.

Week 3 in Seattle: Birthday Celebration!

Saturday the 22nd was my 28th birthday. I spent the early part of the day lounging around and chatting on the phone. I met 12 friends at Benihana in downtown Seattle for a nice dinner. Benihana is awesome- it totally reminds me of Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse in Liverpool New York, but not as good. Ichiban holds my heart. Benihana is as close as I can get out here. It's one of those we-cook-for-you-at-your-table types of places that also serves sushi and non-hibachi foods. I had my usual "Land & Sea" combo which comes with a shrimp appetizer, onion soup, salad, cucumbers, onions, mushrooms, fried rice, chicken, and beef. DELICIOUS. Oh yea- creme brulee for dessert as well. It was really nice to have my friends join me for a couple hours to celebrate. After dinner ended I headed over to AMC and watched The King's Speech. Highly recommended. I wish my birthday was full of more exciting things, but it was still nice to have down time and just relax. I don't take time to relax enough. This 28th year will be more about me: relaxing, vacationing, creating, and loving. I suggest you do the same.

Cheers,
Jill Rachel

Week 3 in New York: Bras at the Bayou Bar

Every now and again, my homebody girlfriends and I decide that we need to get out and have a night on the town. In the past we've headed down to Manhattan to pursue drinking and general debauchery, usually ending with getting silly and wondering how we ever made it back to Grand Central Station and eventually to our beds. This month we decided to stay a bit more local. Instead of trekking all the way to the city, we kept to Westchester and went to this fantastic New Orleans restaurant & pub, The Bayou. I knew two things going in - one: many of my girls, as well as my guy, had been there and recommended it and two: it was said that bras were hanging from all around the bar. Out of a list of 5 places to pick from for our night out, once I heard about the bras, I was sold. I knew that there could be no other photo for this week than that of a bar full of bras. I loved the whole atmosphere of the place - from the colors, to the cheer and the beer. I'm definitely looking forward to going back again soon.

Cheers,

Breezer M.

Week 2 in Seattle: Breakfast time

I'm kind of obsessed with cooking lately. I don't necessarily have to have the top quality organic ingredients, but I don't go cheap either. It's all about taste for me. If the no-name ingredient tastes better, so be it. Saturday I made french toast from a loaf of nearly-stale french bread, bacon, and fresh blueberries. Oh yea- And New York State Maple syrup that I got from a friend back home. There is something satisfying about making a delicious meal and photographing it. Maybe one day I'll make a cookbook.


Cheers,
Jill Rachel