Wednesday, November 30, 2005

You ever have one of those days?

I had an absolutely great day! And here's why:

1) My palm has been itching for the last two days and this usually means I'm coming into money (I know that sounds like a load of crap but it does actually happen to me a lot -- see my post from Monday, April 18, 2005). Well in this instance here's what came my way:
Please accept this as an introduction.
I noticed your work in the LA Shanti advertisement.
I took a look at your website.
You have a strong body of work.
We are running an article on Same Sex Latin couples.
There is an image on your site titled "Boys of Summer"
Perhaps that photo or another one from that session would be an appropriate editorial image for the page.
You can contact me and let me know if you would be interested.
I look forward to hearing from you and putting your work on the pages of Frontiers.
Life is good,
Don
Now it may not mean big bucks at this point but it's one of those golden opportunities for really great exposure in the LA market and I'm very excited at the prospects.

This is the photo he was referring to:


2) My friend Victor took me for coffee tonight here in Queretaro and on our way we stopped at a Christmas store -- I've been hunting for a Santa Claus hat for the past two weeks (life is hell when you have a concept and can't buy the props). Well finally I found it. You'll see why I wanted it when my 2005 Christmas e-card comes out. (smirk) But, if that wasn't good enough ... the same store sold adult size angel wings, for a mere 125 pesos (translated $12.50) I had looked at buying some when I was in NYC but there they were over $100 if I remember correctly. Needless to say, I've already packed them in my suitcase (they just fit) so be watching for some hot photos with models in angel wings.

3) One of my best friends in the whole entire world, Jenny (who now lives in Calgary -- used to be one of my homegirls in NYC) has come up with a crucial bit of information in tracking down my long lost red-headed pal, Annie Given -- who I've been trying to locate for the past two years, for real. I knew Annie was in Calgary, after globetrotting all over the place, but I couldn't remember her married name, she wasn't listed under her maiden name, and her brother (who had changed his name to Malcolm Zanzibar Brekkie) who also used to live in Calgary was not listed. I was stuck ... until tonight! Jenny found out -- by non-devious means -- that Annie works part-time at Williams and Sonoma at Chinook Centre. I'm only one phone call away now from actually having Annie's phone number. Jenny ... guuuuurl, you are the best!

4) My eye is better.

Hate your job?


Then try a little cyber-reality with a job as a waiter/waitress. Go you Diner Dash on yahoo games. It'll show you real quickly how evil a job that is. I got to level 6 and had to quit. LOL.

Customer: "Can I have another fork?"
Me: "Why? Do you have two mouths?"
I love being a photographer!

Sunday, November 20, 2005

Puerto Vallarta


Spent an amazing four days (from Thursday, Nov. 17 to Sunday, Nov. 20) in Puerto Vallarta.


Luc (left) and Victor (right)

the boys in bed (note the beautiful matching wristbands -- awww) Posted by Picasa

I went specifically to meet my buddies, Luc and Victor from Vancouver Island (who I saw just a few weeks back when I was in Vancouver), who were there for a week as early Christmas presents to one another. It was so wonderful to sit with them out on the beach and soak up the sun (and drink a lot of Coronas) -- very therapuetic. Ha Ha. I have to say a huge thank you to both of them, you guys made it so much fun! We did some of the touristy things (hey c'mon it was my first time there), did the rounds at the local bars and clubs, were invited to an art opening, and despite hangovers, sunstroke, an eye infection and overpriced tequila shots, we had a load of laughs in the process.

San Pancho Posted by Picasa


Boca del Naranjo Posted by Picasa
However, the best day I had was when Vic rented a car and the three of us drove to two remote beaches up the coast -- San Pancho aka San Francisco and Boca Del Naranjo. Both places were breathtakingly beautiful and the serenity was overwhelming -- plus it was fun to go swimming nude.



Giaco (left) and Raymundo (right)


the whole gang at Raymundo's studio Posted by Picasa

What made the trip even more spectacular was meeting two local artists from Puerto Vallarta, Raymundo Valencia and Giaco (who also happens to be an incredible dj). These guys gave me a real insiders' view to the city, great local restaurants, affordable hotels, and info/recommendations that only someone who lived there would know. Another big thank you goes out to these two remarkable osos (wink), who I'm thrilled to call my new friends. What I appreciated most was that they steered me clear of all the typical tourist stuff, which I have to admit was a real cultureshock (and not a desirable one) after having spent so much of my time away from the usual American tourists. I have to say that the hotel zone and some parts of the beach were filled with the ignorant and nasty "Y'all" type of travellers. I couldn't get away from them fast enough. And what made it worse is they attract the ugly type of Mexicans that are trying to take advantage of stupid American tourists -- they have and angle on everything and real smart-ass attitudes. My recommendation is stay away from the hotels like Los Pelicanos, that's where Luc & Vic stayed. It was just bad all the way around, expensive, bad food, and worst of all incredibly rude and stringent security and staff -- a total nightmare. I was glad to be staying in the old downtown at a great little place near the Rio Cuale called Belmar Hotel.

Overall I loved Puerto Vallarta. Here's a few photos from my time there, which included being there for the "Day of the Revolution" which had a great little parade along the malecon (oceanside boardwalk). I'm considering maybe heading back there for a few more days before I leave Mexico.




the malecon (l) and a parade participant Posted by Picasa

Thursday, November 10, 2005

If only I could get this to work for real!

Museo de la Ciudad (City Museum)

ARTE - CIENCIA, CAMINOS ADENTRO ~ pintura de Diana Galvez

Took in the exhibits at the Museo de la Ciudad here in Queretaro today with my new friend, Maria Luisa from Calgary. We spent the afternoon exploring el centro since our mutual friend and host, John, is sick with gripe (the cold). Here are a few shots from our walk through the city.


Museo de la Ciudad (exteriors)


Jardin Guerrero


entrance to a funky cafe/live music venue
and a straw/metal calavera (from Dias de los Muertos celebrations)

Saturday, November 05, 2005

PHOTO SHOOTS of Oscar and Victor

Sort of a busy day, did two photo shoots here today. The first with a sexy fashion designer named Oscar followed by a second shoot with my new amigo, Victor. Both shoots realized some possible images for exhibition. The light here is so beautiful to shoot with - that intense tropical sun, to say nothing of all the lush greenery available when working outdoors.

Oscar, Queretaro, Mexico 2005



Victor, Queretaro, Mexico 2005

Capped the day off with Sol cervesas with my new friends here, Hebert (John's roommate), his pal Jose, and the incredibly hot Martin(who I'm still trying to convince to model for me), and his roommate, David. Afterwards Martin, David and I went to the club here, Oz (which plays better music than either club in Edmonton, go figure that one) and then took a taxi over to their place for more beer. Incredible vista from their windows of the city of Queretaro twinkling in the night down below them in the valley. Unfortunately I didn't have tripod to get a good shot of it.


Jose & Hebert (left) - Martin (right)

Thursday, November 03, 2005

Words to the Blue Monkey

Words to the Blue Monkey

I am a spectrum of color
touched by the light of your love,
my every hue is forever changed.
Together, I too am brilliant.

...

Echo Within

You invade my every waking moment
You populate my dreams
Looking into the eyes of any other
I can only hear your name.

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

I've got a life

Peter, my friend at Flylife Music in NYC, sent me this link today to the new Eurythmics track that his company is promoting. This is their video, check it out. The director is photographer Matthew Rolston. God bless the photographers of this world. Ha ha. I love this song!

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