10/31

i hope everyone has a very safe and spooky and happy halloween!

-hp <3

Weekend Update #2: Out Of The Darkness

Sunday I took part in something really important and special. At Old Westbury Gardens (also known as one of the most beautiful places ever, seen in the movies Cruel Intentions and Hitch), there was an Out Of The Darkness community walk. These are run by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and take place all over the United States. The walks are intended to honor loved ones lost to suicide, support the cause, and to raise awareness as well as educate and improve understanding of the subject. Suicide is often seen in movies, read about in novels, and even sung about. It can appear to be glamorous and maybe even as a way to "make your mark", but that's all wrong. I feel that like homosexuality and developmental disabilities, suicide is also too often joked about. It is a very serious subject, as well as an extremely sensitive one. I was glad to be able to participate. For those who've lost loved ones to suicide, I can see these walks serving a very therapeutic function, for you're surrounded by hundreds of people who have faced the same sad fate as you, but are coping and remembering and honoring their loved ones. I was very happy to be there in support of this. The gardens were beautiful and I made my team shirt really fun. Since I don't have a nickname, I commemorated one of the strongest fictional men I know.

The rest of Sunday was spent eating sandwiches and relaxing outside in the surprisingly warm October weather, and playing with babies.

If you or anyone you know are interested in the AFSP or these walks particularly, please visit their website at outofthedarkness.org. From there you can find an event near you, make a donation, help spread the word, and also just read up and gain a bit more understanding about suicide, warning signs, and prevention.

Also, if you or anyone you know is having thoughts of suicide, feelings of hopelessness and emotional distress, or is displaying any one of these behaviors:

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.
• Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun.
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
• Talking about being a burden to others.
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
• Sleeping too little or too much.
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated.
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
• Displaying extreme mood swings.
  

please call 1-800-273-TALK.
Additional information can be found on the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Weekend Update #1: Saturday

Hump day is upon us, but I am still celebrating last weekend. Sometimes it feels good to be stuck in the past. My favorite girl Amy and I went pumpkin picking at my favorite patch on Saturday. It was really good not only to see her, but to partake in one of my favorite activities of the season with her. After our pumpkins were picked, Amy led me to this giant garage sale extravaganza happening not too far away where I was able to get my hands on some great vintage 7" records and LP's. A whole crate for $7.00! Going through them at home was exciting, there's some great stuff in there (think The Beach Boys, Paul Simon, The Beatles, THE MONSTER MASH. YES.) My boyfriend and I had a lot of fun sorting through these treasures, and then we went out to dinner with his sister Michelle who was in town at one of my favorite restaurants, Painters'. This place is seriously cool. It's covered in unique artwork, a lot done by local artists, and it's all for sale. Too rich for my blood, but the food is also incredible (pulled pork nachos? c'mon). I got a veggie vegan burger and fries, and we split said nachos. The menu is seasonal as well as the beer selection. I got a yummy pumpkin ale. Love that brown sugar & cinnamon rim. My favorite thing about Painters'?
The tablecloth is fresh butchers paper and every table has a cup of crayons so you can COLOR!
Needless to say, Saturday ruled!

Screaming Females

Last night, about a mile away from my house, I attended an Iron Chic show at O'Brien's Pub. I didn't actually get to stick around for Iron Chic (one of my most favorite Long Island bands, I've seen them many times), but my entire night was spent eating a delicious turkey bacon wrap, laughing with friends, and anticipating Screaming Females' set. I've listened to them a few times, but had no idea what to expect live, and as it turns out they're one of the most entertaining bands I've ever had the privilege of watching. Screaming Females consists of bassist Michael Abbate, drummer Jarrett Dougherty, and the captivating Marissa Paternoster on guitar and vocals. They're from New Brunswick, NJ. Their stage presence is great. I love seeing band members actually smile while performing on stage. Their songs are catchy without any real effort to be. And Marissa is just incredible. The voice and sounds that resound from such a tiny frame are literally awesome. I was blown away. Once I got home last night I immediately perused their website, which lead me to the band's blog, and then I ended up on Marissa's blog. And I don't mean for this to be read as a typical lead singer based review. If it's even a review. I don't know where I'm going with this. Is anybody even listening? But anyway, I've always been big on girl power. Especially now in my twenties, and to me - Marissa's the ultimate girl. I just think she's so great. Aside from her immense musical talents, she's also an incredible visual artist. Check this shit out:

So by now you can sort of tell that I'm in love. If I were to grade Screaming Females, both live and through recordings, I would give them an A+++, 100%, 5 gold stars. I'll leave you with some of their fun videos. Hope you love! If not, more for me or something and also you should get your ears checked.




<3!

Recap of a road trip

About a month ago, I decided to finally bite the bullet and drive a pretty lengthy distance by myself to see my sister for her birthday. She goes to school in Albany, and I've barely driven into Brooklyn alone, so the 3.5 hour trip seemed pretty intimidating. But with the help of a global positioning system, Cat Power, and Starbucks I arrived to my destination safely, in one piece, with a great sense of accomplishment! I even drove over my first bridge!

Action shot.

It was really great to spend time with my sister during her school year when I wouldn't normally get a chance to see her. I love her more than anything. When we had some downtime, I took a solo walk around Albany which was really nice. Her house and her housemates were all so cute and they threw a really fun cowboys and indians themed birthday party. Bombers Burrito Bar lived up to the hype and we split a gigantic margarita that cost nothing! I've been so ridiculously lazy about uploading and editing my photos, but here are a few from my phone from that weekend.

Victoria Michelle :) my angel wings

Here I ordered baja fish tacos.. delicious. I've been craving more ever since.

Nobody is more beautiful to me.

This.. is definitely college.

One of these days, all of my recent photography will make it's way onto my photo blog. But until then, I hope these squares suffice. xo!

Fall Festivities!

I have been seriously slacking.

The end of summer was pretty uneventful, however. I was right smack in the middle of a big transition, or a few transitions rather. But here I am, new job, positive outlook, and ready for fall. A friend of mine recently compared me to the ever changing season, and though some might think that sounds unstable, it's not. It's great. Every year around this time I can really mark my growth and I see more improvements through slightly more constructive behavior. Things are good. I am happy, really and truly. Das it.

Last weekend, Andrew and I along with a few friends went to the Long Island Fall Festival. I've gone every year for the last five. It's definitely an indication of summer's end, and it's a lot of fun. Festival food, rides, and craft vendors (that SADLY, I did not get to browse this year, since we went on Friday night before they arrived. But it's cool.)

Lauren, whose wedding is so soon and I'm so excited about it!
Babe.
Mozzarepa? So much yes.
(I don't even care that the Gothamist article decided to add "copious amounts of fat" to the ingredients. Shit's delicious.)
Fall favorite!

Matt!
Some friends we made while walking around the park.
So, autumn is officially here.
What are some of your fall traditions?
More of mine to come. (Note: Very craft heavy!)