July Diamond Dust

July 21, 2012 was a day of Pride for San Diego. All the colorful characters were out and about. It was fun to see and great to experience because everyone was having the time of their lives. The best part was the good vibes carried over into the fashion show.

Each time I'm at Kitty Diamond, the room configuration changes for the models, makeup artists, and hair stylists. I have to say that I loved July's configuration. We were in a big room, big enough for makeup artists, hair stylists, and models' clothes changes. Plus, when we were done and the models were ready for the catwalk, the room turned into a dance room. What was even better was the fact that, early birds like myself, could leave without bumping into dancing patrons or photographers.

There were a lot of makeup artists that brought their own lightening. Very smart! I tend to be a minimalist yet I may have to succumb to packing a light for future events. The one smart thing I did was to print out the photos of makeup ideas and hang them on the wall. It's easier and quicker for me to see than searching for the picture on my phone. Not many of the stylists knew what looks went to what designer. I was a star for a few seconds as they clamored around my wall to digest each look.

I set up shop next to a brand new makeup artist. It was nice to see her getting out into the public right away and getting experience. When I graduated from makeup school, I was very nervous about getting out into the world and working on real people.  She has a lot to learn (as we all do), but she's headed in the right direction.

My husband even kept busy with helping my take pictures of the models, so I can remember who I worked on, and chatting with photographers and models alike. He even helped with extension cords for the hair stylists. What a guy!

A group of models who were modeling for the designer, Teh Mac, chose me to do their makeup. Not only was I flattered that they wanted me but my ego was boosted by all their accolades. They loved their makeup! Very awesome! What was nice, was that they even brought their friends over for me to do their makeup. The group of models that I worked with were even fascinating to talk to. One male model was a pediatric neurosurgeon. Another one kissed the pavement hard from a bike accident the day before yet was a trooper and showed up with stitches.

I even had a chance to do makeup for Davorah Stetson, one of the fashion show promoters/model. Every fashion show I have watched her go to other makeup artists. Now, it was my turn! Loved it and was grateful that she gave me the chance.

The lovely Davorah Stetson

I did have a time matching skin tone to the foundation because the majority of the models had been out in the sun enjoying the parade for Pride. Not a problem, I was able to find a match the made each of them look flawless.

All in all, I felt that the fashion show went well and it was great to work with everyone. Everyone was in great spirits. The four hours I was there flew by and I hardly noticed when it was time to leave.

M is for Missouri

Why do people can Missouri...misery? Could it be the heat is the summer? I don't know. All I know was that when I was there, the weather was in the 90s with a low humidity. Perfect!

What I should have invested in was yoga for the plane. Imagine sitting in the middle seat, arms tucked under your boobs, knees hitting your throat, and your neighbors insistent upon using the arm rests to "relax". Good, now sit in that position for four hours. Now we're having fun! My husband lucked out and was able to sit in the emergency exit row with his legs stretched out. Lucky bastard.

My husband and I started our trip off by checking out all the malls, indoor and outdoor. A favorite past time of his uncle's. We took a moment to enjoy Shaved Ice. One of the flavors was "Tiger's Blood". I asked if it tasted like Charlie Sheen. Snicker....all I got was an eye roll and a very serious description of the product (coconut and tropical flavors). Boring. I liked my idea better. :)

Tiger's Blood is found here!

 In one of the malls, I found a me-ality kiosk (www.me-ality.com). Me-Ality claims that "in just 10 minutes, your free Me-Ality scan can help you identify the fit, style, design, and cut that best match you." So, I thought, what the hell? I stepped in to the scanner to see what Me-Ality could recommend for me.

It's an odd experience walking into a circular tube and being told to stand still with your arms askew and hands in. While standing super still, a long white arm slowly circles around you and scans your whole body two times. I guess the second time was for good measure. Once done, I stepped out and patiently awaited my results. The computer came up with no results for clothes. That was an ego booster. Then to add onto my "inflated" ego, the sales lady said that this mall didn't house clothes for big people. Awesome. Now, I'm feeling extra fabulous. I know that I'm not a size 6 like the local teeny boppers, but come on! I can still find clothes that fit me in a mall.

So, that's exactly what I did. I went to Macy's and found a fabulous dress and skirt, which were on sale. Did I mention that they fit me as well? Woo-hoo! I'm feeling better about my self worth. My husband's uncle suggested that I walk by the Me-Ality kiosk and say "nanny nanny boo boo". Silly sales people.

We even had a chance to check out the St. Louis Science Center (http://www.slsc.org/) . Neat place! Walking in was free but to see the exhibits meant shelling out money. No bueno por nada.

We arrived on a Tuesday and by Thursday, we drove out to Orchard Farm School District (http://www.ofsd.k12.mo.us/default.aspx) for my husband's interview with the maintenance team. The school district remind me a lot of Valley Center - Pauma School District (http://www.vcpusd.k12.ca.us/). Instead of the school's being eight miles apart, Orchard Farm's were within walking distance. I did enjoy seeing their Discovery Elementary School (http://www.ofsd.k12.mo.us/des/SitePages/Home.aspx). Pretty awesome school. It's a new school built with the "green" (environmental) theme in mind. I'm so used to seeing my school's fall apart that touring a brand new school is awesome.

Friday, my husband's aunt took me to the Butterfly House (www.butterflyhouse.org) in Chesterfield, MO. What a neat experience to see butterflies of all species flying around! This house is open all year round. At the Wild Animal Park, excuse me, the Safari Park, (old habits die hard) the butterfly exhibit is only seasonal. What the Butterfly House did need was a professional photographer to sell pictures of you in the house with the butterflies. I'd totally buy one!

A couple of tag alongs

 
After the Butterfly House, we drove on down to old town St. Charles MO. Fun place that is filled with history. Everywhere you look there is reference to Lewis and Clark.

Saturday, we drove out to the family farm in Crane, MO. It was nice to see and fun listening to stories from long ago.

The house looks small on the outside but was decent sized on the inside. It even had a cellar!

Best buddies

A bull calf and a donkey, friends forever.

Sunday, after church, while my husband and his uncle chose to watch NASCAR, his aunt and I decided to check out the arch. Seeing the arch is spectacular and breath taking. We walked underneath the arch to check out the museum and watch the tourists stand in line to ride the tram. The locals call the tram a "death pod". It is a bit daunting to see how small the tram is and know that it squishes in five people for a 630 feet ride to the top without windows. I've been told that you can stretch out, once at the top, at look across the city of St. Louis. No thank you.

Gateway to the West

A view leading up to the Arch

A mural showing how tall the arch is.

"Death Pod". Can you imagine 3 more people fitting in?

After checking out the Arch and the park, we decided to do some sight seeing. We didn't go very far. Around the corner was the Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, also known as "The Old Cathedral". Very ornate and still active with its ministries. I thought about lighting a candle, but there was a $3.00 donation. Really?! Lighting a candle in a Spanish church is cheaper. This church even went so far as to put the candles by the confessionals. Oi Vey! One guilt trip coming up!

Still waiting on baited breather on whether or not my husband has a J-O-B in Missouri. Whatever the outcome, our trip to Missouri was fun. Now back to practicing my airplane yoga for the plane ride home!