Random shitty down-on-myself thought

When I have a pregnancy scare, he opts for an abortion, but has no problem having a baby with his last ex-wife who is apparently a psycho bitch that turned a complete 180° when he puts a ring on her finger.

Just a random shitty thought on a random Tuesday night.

Drumroll please...

Ta da! Here I am again to update you on the fabulously hectic, busy, and un-busy parts of the modeling lifestyle. Again, my apologies for being a slacker and not writing as often as I should. I swear, I have the best of intentions, but sometime lack the motivation to follow through. Ok, more often than sometimes, you got me!

Where did we leave off...? Ah yes! April-ish. Well folks, for the latter half of the month of April, there wasn't much going on in the modeling arena for me, but I did have my fair share of interviews for a new day job (none of which pulled thru, sadly). I suppose there was one kind-of sort-of could be counted event: Subversive II, where several of my musically talented DJ buddies (DJ Prophecy, Indaskyes, Facemelter, & Traxmyth) provided the soundtrack for an AMAZING evening. Well done you guys!!

A candid of Laura, Denny, and me @ Subversive II

The month of May was also slow on the modeling front, but plenty of social things going on after the day job: a birthday weekend in Vegas, HEDpe concerts, a trip to LA for out of town friends, and TWO trips to Kansas for TWO different weddings!!

June was all about motorcycles for Reesuh. I had a last minute audition after work on the 3rd, and was surprised to hear that they selected me to be a promo model (Tork Angel) for Tork's Motorsports in Point Loma. The photoshoot was the following evening, so needless to say that Friday was a 19 hr day for me!!

The following day was the monthly MayStar Fashion Whore show, where I was a model for Molly B Bikinis. I'm fairly new to the fashion industry, but I've been around long enough to realize that these things NEVER start on time - there's always something we're waiting on, and you just have to roll with it. I've also noticed that lots of girls can't stand to wait. But hey, shit happens - bitching won't make time move any faster!

Tork's grand opening event was on Father's Day, but there was still a pretty decent crowd that turned out. From the pictures that were taken that day I saw that I'm super pale, I mean pasty white!! I've just never been big on tanning beds, so I bought some tanning lotion that probably would've worked if I didn't do Bikram Yoga. The lotion stayed on when I would shower, but during yoga I sweat liters, and it came right off onto my towel - who would've known??

Kelly, Katie, and me - Tork Angels

And so, that brings us to July, when I got to shoot with the amazingly talented Victor Ciccarelli and his wife Lynn. They painted me green for a pin-up monster corset shoot; I felt so much like Elphaba from the musical Wicked. I even started to sing "Defy Gravity" while Lynn & Vic were painting me. When Vic was ready to paint my face, he looked at me and said "Tell me 'fuck you Vic'." I'm not a mean person, so I couldn't say it at first, but when I starting joking around and said it in a harsh tone, he took the paint brush and stuck it in my ear. It was like the grossest wet willy EVER!! I squealed, but the sound I made was a sound I've never heard myself make before. He just laughed and said "that's my favorite part!" ha! ha! What a prankster. All that weird paint in my ear was really worth it though. Vic & Lynn turned me into a real Monster Pin-up model:

Monster Corset Pin-up for Isabella Corsetry

Afterward, Vic graciously helped me bring some of my Oil Spill images to life. Ever since the disaster in the gulf, I've had an idea for a shoot in my mind - and I've also been wanting to voice some of my political opinions using my modeling for some time. Vic helped make that a reality.

Later in July, I was one of those annoying people handing out cards at ComiCon. A friend of a friend needed promo models, and since it was a paying gig, I accepted. The first day I worked near the Scott Pilgrim display, handing out cards for $10 off a Tshirt online, and I had a blast. The crowd at ComiCon consists of fun, clever, nerdy people (like me) who are easy to approach and bullshit with. I even made a group of friends from SF, Team Awesome as I called them. The next day I passed out the same cards but for Hello Kitty. The best part about this gig was that it paid, & I got 2 pretty awesome shirts out of the deal too.

That brings us up to August. I haven't had any modeling gigs yet this month, but I've applied to a few castings / postings. I did, however, have my first belly dancing lesson with the one and only Sakti Renik, a famous Egyptian Belly Dancer who has been dancing for over 30 yrs!! I had a lot of fun, and surprised myself with a few moves. After my 90 minute lesson, Sakti told me that she had given me the intermediate class, and that I was a natural. I feel so special - and it kind of makes me want to find a Belly Dancing group here in SD to keep practicing with. But I love my yoga too much to give it up, and my schedule is already demanding enough as it is.

So there you have it guys and dolls - the hectic, busy, yet un-busy life of me. Oh, but that reminds me: this month I'm competing to be Miss September in the 2011 calendar for Poker Centerfolds. PLEASE register at this link (Poker Centerfolds), then click on Calendar Girls, and vote for Risa. It's easy!! But you have to register first or your vote doesn't count. And PLEASE tell your friends to do the same - I need all the help I can get here.

You can check out my photos for the contest HERE.

Thank you a million times over for reading my silly updates, for caring enough to stop by, and for always supporting me.

2010 update - January to now!

I'm such a slacker. I started a blog to keep people up-to-date (people who wanted to know anyway) and I completely dropped the ball.


JANUARY:
Several shoots and auditions this month! Auditioned for the Xtreme GoGo team Los Angeles and was accepted, which lead to 2 team photoshoots. Got to meet the rest of the girls, and they're all great people and amazing dancers. Can't wait to start doing team GoGo gigs in LA/OC with these lovely ladies.

Xtreme Girls - photo by Daniel Padova

Also auditioned for a new reality show (Runway Chronicles) and was accepted to do that as well, even though I'm too short to do traditional runway, or so I'm told. This little project got me into my first ever runway show in February (more on that soon), and rehearsals took place throughout January.

Shot with Neesh of LA Wicked Photography at the end of the month and did some implied pics. I was super nervous about this, but I think they turned out alright.



FEBRUARY:
More rehearsals for Runway Chronicles, and then finally my debut at the MAGIC Fashion Convention in Las Vegas. If I were into fashion at all, I would've known this was a big deal from the beginning. But being the tomboy (and country girl) that I am, I didn't realize how epic MAGIC is to the fashion industry. I was a model for Anama, a clothing line based out of Miami, and was the feature of the sexiest fashion show at MAGIC! There was actually a lot of drama involved on that trip - no wonder models have a reputation for being pretentious bitches!! - but there were also a lot of awesome moments. I bonded with quite a few people of the cast and crew and can't wait to work with them all again some day.

Niki, me, and Phoenix - on our way to the Convention Center to work for Anama

MARCH:
At the beginning of the month, I completed a 3-day "gogo bootcamp" for the Xtreme Girls. I have to take this time now to say "THANK YOU" to my OC friends who let me crash at their pads during all of this back-and-forth from SD to OC or LA. Without you guys (James, Alan, Jay, Jacques...) I would be so broke paying for gas or hotels, or would have undoubtedly fallen asleep at the wheel. You're all wonderful for putting me up for the night in a spare bedroom or on the couch.

March was a slow month for me in modeling, but busy in everything else! I went to Vegas (again) to hang out with some High School friends I haven't seen in years, and also enrolled in a 4-week Broadway Burlesque class at Fun Pole Fitness. Marie, the owner, and Jenn, the teacher, are such fun and wonderful ladies, and the rest of the women there were so friendly and happy. It was a great experience and I learned a fun burlesque routine!

The last Sunday of the month I drove 3 hours north to meet the most kickass group of girls and the awesome Edwin (EVolve Photography) in Camarillo for an all day shoot. We got three outfit changes and did some group shots - I can't wait to see the pics (but I need to select my favorites and send them to Edwin first!!). Lisa Michelle, Mary Jane, Danielle and Pamela Jean are all gorgeous & talented models - and Edwin kills it with his camera every time! I'm so lucky to know such beautiful, and down-to-earth, girls who work in this industry too.

In fact, we had such a great time in Camarillo, we all want to do another group shoot soon! Hopefully all of our schedules can line up again; so far there's been no such luck.


APRIL:
2 fashion shows this month so far! The first was MayStar's monthly Fashion Whore show at the Ruby Room in Hillcrest. This particular show was themed "EuroTrash." I modeled for Miss Alphabet clothing (Liz) and had a blast! Quite a few of my girl friends were modeling for another designer, Trish, and it was a pleasant surprise to see familiar faces when I walked in the door.

That night I met several new girls, a kickass MUA, and some great photographers too. I'm hoping to get something set up with one (or more) of these new connections. Networking is so much fun!

Taken by RFXPhoto, makeup: MercyTobel, wardrobe: Miss Alphabet

The following Saturday I was in Fullerton for a Rock 'n Roll Fashion Show, modeling for the lovely Emily of Into the Woods Clothing. As a 5'2" model who was told she could never do runway or fashion, this was my 3rd show in 2 months. Makes me feel good to know that some folks are full of shit.


And that's basically it for now! Nothing really on the horizon at the moment, but my social/personal life is packed. Next month I'm out of state almost every weekend: Vegas for a bday, and flying back to Kansas twice for weddings. I'll write more often about modeling stuff from now on, I promise!

Thanks for keeping up with me
xo

No bueno

Today there was a message waiting for me on MySpace from a guy that I don't know. This is not unusual, but his email was. Simply put it read:

"Aww, it's kind of sad when an average-looking girl is trying really hard to be a model. I don't think it's ever gonna happen for you, champ..."

I don't know this guy or anything about him, and after I got over the initial sting of an insult (or maybe what he intended to be just really harsh constructive criticism??) one question was nagging at me. I wonder why people feel that spreading negativity is productive and/or necessary? Insults never improve anyone's life or thinking. So what compels someone to think and voice hurtful things?

Lately I've heard a great deal about haters, and I just don't understand it. One girl I know won't shut up about how much she can't stand a certain actress and her dress at the Oscars, only for the reason that she feels she prettier than that actress. Another friend of mine has had to deal with rumors started about her that are filled with malice and dishonesty, while yet another friend of mine who models (and is quite successful) deals with hate mail on a daily basis. Even friends in the Bay Area who are plugged into the music scene have to deal with this seething abhor-ation.

Really folks??? Is your life that empty or lacking focus & direction that you want to inflict pain and negativity on people around you, and also on people you don't even know??? I understand if you're not a fan of someone's pictures, or music, or art form, but there's no need for anger and negativity.

Support what you love, don't tear down others for doing what they love just because it doesn't appeal to you. Isn't that what humanity is supposed to be doing anyway - doing what makes you happy as a person (so long as it doesn't harm others)?

I may not be a successful model, or even a great one, but who am I hurting by taking what some people might call mediocre pictures? Right now, I'm enjoying what I do and I'm happy with my life, and I'll walk my path because it's mine... no one else's.

2010 - the start of something amazing?

Wow - I can't believe my last post was in November! Where did the time go???

Basically December was a slow month for modeling, but there were some awesome events nonetheless.

For almost 2 weeks, I was the featured model on GuitarSpy.com - my first website feature!!
Myke shot me in a studio in Corona, and my lovely friend Crystal came down to do my makeup. Once I saw the final images, I was ecstatic! I think they all turned out fantastic, and I must admit I had a lot of fun shooting with Myke and his guitar. For some reason I think that I could do a great job of modeling with props (and part of me wants to see if I can pursue something with Coffin Case!!).

Also, I took a road trip to Venice Beach with my photographer Van Cleave and another SD model Mikayla Micheals, to shoot with Ray at West Bred clothing and more of his girls. The entire afternoon was a great experience, and we're hoping that Ray can use some of the images to print up posters, flyers, or even a calendar.



So far this month, I've got two pretty awesome gigs on the table. I don't want to give away too much information, since nothing has been signed and no money has changed hands, but hopefully I can de-brief you soon enough.

Tuesday I have an audition to be apart of Xtreme GoGo Los Angeles... now if I can only scrounge up the gas money to make the trip up to Orange... Thanks for checking in with me - hopefully I have some amazing news to share with you soon!

xo

Crazy Busy!

Wow - where to start?? This weekend is definitely a modeling weekend for me! I love staying busy with this, because it means I'm getting my name out there, and I'm constantly networking wherever I go. Plus, I really appreciate the experience and it's a trip to see how my modeling is improving, even though I've only really been pursuing it since May (and let's not forget that I took myself out of the loop for several weeks back in August...).

Here's a rundown of how my weekend is set up:

FRIDAY
I'll be working as a featured promo model at the party in Lake Elsinore. Doors are at 8.30pm, so get there early!

(new info added to flyer)


Saturday
I have a photoshoot in Beverly Hills at the same mansion that I shot for Kasanova Magazine back in Oct. This is a test shoot, where I'll be shot by multiple photographers which should really enhance by portfolio! I'll try to remember to take my own personal camera and get some "behind the scenes" pics for you!

Sunday
Headed down to Corona for a shoot with Myke for GuitarSpy.com. The wonderful Crystal (MissMUA) will be there to get me all dolled up. I'm excited that I'll be doing my first shoot for a website AND with a guitar, but I'm also stoked that Crystal will be there. She's amazing!



Sheesh! I'm tired already, but I love that things are picking up!! Now, you'll have to excuse me as I need to start packing for this weekend already. And I need to remember to bring a ton of my cards - don't want to be caught without them!!

xo

West Bred Clothing

Sunday I had a last minute shoot - and I mean last minute! My photographer and I set it up no more than 24 hrs before we started shooting. Ray at West Bred Clothing sent me some shirts, and since all my November weekends are already booked up, Troy & I decided to get the shoot done ASAP.

We went to Chicano Park because that place has tons of wall art and would make for some awesome backgrounds. I got to wear my kick-ass new Skull & Roses heels from missconstrued.com and we got some really great shots. Since we were outside, we did draw a bit of an audience. When we were doing the booty shorts pics, a truck with 2 guys drove by 3 times. It was border-line creepy...

Troy has an amazing turn-around; he got the images to me yesterday! You can see the rest of the images on my Facebook page or on West Bred's page. Support Ray at West Bred!! He's a great guy!

Here's my favorite pic from Sunday:

And speaking of how busy November is, here's a run down of this month: This weekend I'm headed to LA for a film festival. The composer for Dim Light invited me to the screening, and I'm pretty excited - this is my first film festival! Hope that I get some networking done and I think I'm going to have a great time.

Next weekend is crazy busy too! What are you doing next Friday? Come out and see me!

Friday, November 20th @ Club Underground in Lake Elsinore - ALL AGES - GET THERE EARLY!!


And Sunday 11/22 I'll be doing a shoot for GuitarSpy.com - Myke wants me to be a featured model. I'm also excited, not only for that shoot, but also because I'll get to see Crystal again (MissMUA). She's agreed to do my makeup that day.

That's it for now! You better believe I'll keep this thing updated with more news and more images as they come in. Thanks are in order to you, dear reader, for your support... or your boredom. Either way, I hope you keep checking in on me. :)